Creative Economy Workgroup of California

The creative economy in California is an intertwined and generative ecosystem that adds exponential value to our state’s creative, cultural, and business economies in a way that fosters income generation, job creation and innovation. Using an equity lens, the Creative Economy Workgroup (CEW) responds to the ideas, strengths and needs of our communities that reaches and includes historically marginalized communities.  

Established with the 2023-24 state budget, the CEW is tasked with developing a strategic plan which will conduct a comparative analysis with other jurisdictions, evaluate existing financing models and government initiatives, identify opportunities for educational programs as well as earn and learn job training employment, detail the geographic areas with the least amount of access or opportunity for a creative economy, and analyze existing initiatives and projects, including the role that local governments can play in creating a stronger creative economy. The strategic plan is due to the Legislature by June 30, 2025. 

Purpose statement for workgroup members:  

• Our lived experience as members of the CEW includes participation in and the leadership of the countless forms of artistic expression found throughout the state.
• We are focused on retaining our arts and culture bearers and organizations in a healthy economy that is good for artists and arts-oriented business.
• Guiding our efforts is a strategy that provides attainable and ample opportunities for California’s artists to be more competitive nationally and internationally for the purposes of earning, learning, development, and forming important lasting relationships that will grow both the impact and sustainability of California’s creative ecosystem.

Click here to learn more about the members of the Creative Economy Workgroup.