Iconic SF Arts Venues and Haney Urge Legislature to Reject Devastating Arts Budget Cuts

Iconic SF Arts Venues and Haney Urge Legislature to Reject Devastating Arts Budget Cuts 

Governor Newsom’s May Revision proposal would reverse $11.5 million for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund, destroying performing arts venues across the state

EMBARGOED UNTIL

May 29, 2025

Press Contact: Nate Allbee – 415.756.0561 (Please text for fastest response.) – Haney.Press@asm.ca.gov

WHAT: Press conference to push back proposed budget cuts for arts organizations in Governor Newsom’s budget

WHO: Assemblymember Matt Haney

Mari Robles – Chief Executive Officer – Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

Laura Domingo – Director of Development and Marketing – SF Bay Area Theatre Co

Member – Actor’s Equity

WHERE: Blue Shield of California Theater @ YBCA, 700 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

LIVESTREAM: 

WHEN: May 29, 2025 at 3:00 PM

California is the birthplace of countless artists, performers, and entrepreneurs – many of whom began their careers at small performing arts venues across the state. Small performing arts organizations add vibrancy to our streets, draw visitors into our cities’ downtowns, and enrich our culture. 

Governor Newsom’s May Revise budget proposal reversed an $11.5 million allocation for small nonprofit performing arts organizations – theaters, orchestras, operas, dance groups, and more. This funding, first appropriated in 2023-24, would have supported performing arts organizations facing continued challenges as a result of financial stress from pandemic-era closures, labor costs, and the expiration of federal grants.

For many arts organizations, this modest but impactful funding is a lifeline – without this vital funding, more venues will close and more artists will lose their jobs. Assemblymember Haney is joining several arts organizations, performing arts theaters, and artists to urge the Legislature to restore arts funding in the budget.

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