ACSO was founded in 1969 by a small group of orchestra managers to be, in part, an advocacy organization to champion the creation of the California Arts Council.
Today, we continue to advocate, in coalition with other advocates, for increased public funding for the California Arts Council as well as the National Endowment for the Arts. We also actively monitor state and federal legislation and support policies and strategic initiatives that benefit the orchestra community.
We also provide those working in orchestras and the performing arts with information, training, and resources so that they can build their government relations programs and advocate directly to their elected officials, business leaders, stakeholders, and voters about the essential econocmic value and well-being that orchestras bring to their communities.
ACSO often partners with state and national associations to achieve shared goals.
- To see information about bills that affect the CA nonprofit sector check out CalNonprofits' Legislation Tracker.
- Learn about CA Arts Advocates advocacy priorities.
- Learn about the League of American Orchestras' key policy issues.
ACSO members at 2024 Arts Advocacy Day
ACSO participates in Arts Advocacy Day at the State Capitol in Sacramento and sponsors the statewide Arts & Culture Summit, both organized by California for the Arts every April.
If you would like to get involved with ACSO's advocacy work or have advocacy questions, email advocacy@acso.org.
Active Advocacy Issues
Restore $5M to California Arts Council (3/7/25)
In 2024, the California Arts Council budget took a significant hit and was cut by $5 million for two years, reducing its funding to just $21 million to serve the entire state. Assemblymember Chris Ward from San Diego, in his new role as Chair of the Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee, will request to restore that funding in the 2025-26 budget. Send a message to the Governor and your legislators about the importance of public funding for the arts and to urge them to support restoring the $5 million to the CAC.
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