April is formally recognized as Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month in California. This statewide observance acknowledges the intrinsic value of artistic endeavors and their contribution to healthy and vibrant communities. The observance was declared by the California Senate in 2019 and is celebrated each year through a coalition of artists, civic leaders, and advocates working to enhance arts and culture throughout the state.

The theme of this year’s month-long initiative, organized by the statewide advocacy group California for the Arts, is “Health, Healing, Hope.” The programming reflects a growing acknowledgement of the arts as a cultural asset and a vital tool for personal and community well-being.

Local Recognition Across Santa Clara County

Santa Clara County is certainly one of the many local entities involved in this year’s recognition, with proclamations emanating from the Board of Supervisors as well as the cities of San Jose, Morgan Hill, and Gilroy. The proclamations reflect a statewide understanding that artists have always been an integral part of California’s social and economic structure.

“A big thank you to the Board of Supervisors and the cities of San Jose, Morgan Hill, Gilroy and others for this recognition,” said Alexandra Urbanowski, CEO of SV Creates, the local arts agency for Santa Clara County.

The Arts as a Force for Well-Being and Equity

Several pieces of evidence have demonstrated that the arts are valuable in areas such as youth development, social justice, public safety, and economic vitality. Neuropsychological studies have provided further evidential support that engaging in the arts promotes mental well-being, reduces social isolation, and acts as a form of clinical intervention for diseases such as PTSD, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Despite this broad impact, support for the arts remains precarious. “The devaluation of the arts is evident even here in California, where arts funding was recently cut and the contributions of artists and cultural workers are overlooked and undervalued,” Urbanowski noted.

California’s Crossroads: Support the Arts or Fall Behind

California, often seen as a cultural leader, currently ranks 35th in the nation for arts funding. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the arts and culture sector contributed $290 billion to California’s economy in 2022, amounting to 8% of the state’s GDP. The industry also supported 847,688 jobs, representing 4.51% of the workforce, and generated $141.3 billion in total compensation. These figures do not account for the thousands of self-employed artists across the state.

“We are at a crossroads where we must choose between a future dominated by automation and devoid of cultural vitality, or one where the arts are recognized and supported as essential contributors to healthy, joyful and equitable communities,” Urbanowski said.

A Call to Action for Artists and Supporters

Urbanowski emphasized that artists should receive more than just symbolic recognition. They need “thriving wages, affordable housing and workspaces, and the infrastructure to support a fulfilling creative life.” This year, as part of Arts, Culture & Creativity Month commemoration, Californians will be encouraged to attend local arts events, participate in San Jose’s We Create 408 challenge, or raise awareness on social media.

“It’s time to recognize the invaluable contributions of artists, culture bearers and creative workers, and to invest in a world that values health, healing, hope and the transformative power of the arts,” Urbanowski said.