Arts Now Leaders
The Arts Now program is a statewide network of arts education advocates who participate in professional development and local arts education coalition building to increase public funding for, access to, and participation in arts education for all young people, regardless of zip code, race, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
This three-year program is designed to build your advocacy skills progressively, with each year expanding on the last.
Create CA supports by providing coalition development strategies, communications resources, leadership and advocacy training, and capacity-building stipends of $1,500 per year.
Learning Objectives
- Develop a deeper understanding of school and government systems to build effective advocacy campaigns
- Develop a compelling personal narrative to engage public officials and build shared understanding around the value and impact of arts education
- Develop a deeper understanding of the arts education landscape to better share the benefits of the arts to local communities
Outcomes
By the end of the program, participants will have:
- Created an advocacy action plan that demonstrates long-term and short-term priorities to:
- Expand equitable arts education
- Create or update a district arts strategic plan
- Engage local communities in decision making
- Developed a hyper local campaign to advance arts education policy and built relationships with elected officials.
- Built a local coalition of community partners that is reflective of student and community demographics to advance arts education access.
Applications open until July 20, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the program three years?
- Advocacy is a long-term process and commitment. We understand that knowledge alone does not build effective advocates, which is why the first year focuses on foundational knowledge of government systems and policies, as well as action planning. The second year focuses on campaign and coalition building — turning plans into action. The third year is largely independent, with technical assistance offered as needed.
How much time will I need to commit each year?
- The program prioritizes outcomes over time. Most first-year content is delivered through required asynchronous educational modules. One full-day retreat per year is required in the fall. All other virtual meetings, webinars, and office hours are encouraged but optional. The program is intentionally designed for working professionals. For a list of required deliverables, please click HERE.
How do you track progress?
- Our asynchronous educational modules are offered via Google Classroom. Each module has a quiz that helps us track participation. There are also deadlines for each year’s deliverable.
Questions? Email info@createca.org
“It has been an honor to work on projects I’m passionate about while being compensated for my time learning. Being a county AN leader has given me tremendous pride and permitted me to organize with the backing of a reputable organization.”
– Veronica Talton
Santa Clara County