The arts contribute to our culture, education and economy. Non-profit organizations are the backbone of our arts and culture and “have always been dependent upon the kindness of strangers” – and upon grant money!

In Ventura County, however, the distribution of arts funding has been radically skewed. Two years ago Ventura County earmarked $1 million dollars in grant funding for the arts. This money was to be available to Ventura County’s over 300 non-profit organizations and individual artists, with particular emphasis … on communities most impacted by the pandemic.”

Instead, at the November 7th meeting, the County Board of Supervisors voted to award 50% of the $1 million dollars in grant funding to just two organizations, with no requirement for application or reporting on spending. 

This leaves many other deserving arts organizations and artists struggling for resources. We believe that all arts organizations and artists should have an equal opportunity to benefit from this public funding.

In California the nonprofit arts and culture sector generates $16 billion annually in economic activity while supporting over 450 thousand jobs (California Cultural Data Project). By providing equitable funding across all art organizations in Ventura County, we can help stimulate our local economy while fostering cultural diversity.

Before this half-million dollars is issued, we call on the County of Ventura to review its current grant allocation process to ensure fair access of funds among all local art institutions regardless of their size or influence. It's time we value every contributor to our vibrant artistic community equally.

Please sign this petition if you believe in equitable support for all art institutions in Ventura County. Ask the County to restore the grant funding to $1million and ensure an open, transparent and equitable application process for the distribution of these funds.