CAM has remained steadfast in our commitment to driving meaningful change through advocacy. We often partner with state agencies and national associations to achieve shared goals.
In our most recent advocacy efforts, we hosted action hours to protest the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) cuts and advocate for both state and federal funding. In partnership with other association organizations, we continue to provide updates as they come and advocate for the stability of the IMLS. Annually, we co-sponsor the Superintendent's Award for Excellence in Museum Education with the California Department of Education and in the past have partnered with and supported the American Alliance of Museums' Museums Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. for over a decade.
Below is an ever evolving list of our advocacy journey over the years. The list includes legislation, funding proposals, and policy changes that have impacted California museums.
| Bill / Proposal | Partners | What this does for California museums |
|---|---|---|
| Museum Grant Program | California Arts Council and California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) | This competitive grant program funds small projects in art, history, and science museums of varying sizes. Proceeds from the Snoopy Special Interest License Plate support the grant program. |
| Stimulus for Arts, Creativity, and Culture (Over 4 years) | California Arts Advocates (CAA) and California Chapter of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA CA) | More than 500 arts organizations, independent venues, museums, local governments, service organizations, trade associations, and unions joined the coalition. Together we asked Governor Newsom and the California State Legislature for an unprecedented $1 billion investment in arts, culture, and creativity. The proposed stimulus and transformational investment in California’s arts and cultural sectors was proposed to overcome the challenges of COVID-19 restrictions and have a positive impact on jobs creation, the economy, and tax revenues. |
| Senate Bill 963 | Authored by Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) | This bill updated funding priorities that were originally established 20 years ago through the CCHE. Through SB 963 California’s museums deepened their role as key partners in serving underserved communities, fighting misinformation, promoting understanding of critical issues, improving access to and protection of important cultural and historic assets, broadening exposure to the state’s diverse history, and supporting the ethical stewardship of sensitive art and artifacts. |