Extended Deadline!
Poster Competition for California Arts Day 2009 -- $500 prize
California college design and art students and faculty are asked to portray "The Art in Me"

The 2009 "Art in Me" poster competition deadline has been extended to July 13, 2009. And not only are students at California colleges and universities eligible for the $500 prize for the California Arts Day poster, but college faculty are as well. Enter now!

Recovery Act Opportunities Besides the National Endowment for the Arts
Additional resources for arts-related jobs identified by national arts advocacy organization

The staff at the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) has been hard at work identifying potential assistance for arts-related and creative economy jobs, including from sources besides the National Endowment for the Arts. The California Arts Council encourages arts organizations and creative-sector employers to examine NASAA's information for potential job stimulus funds.

California Indian Basket Exhibit Receives Praise, Rave Reviews
The "American Masterpieces" project is a joint project of the California Arts Council, California State Parks, and The California Museum

The gentle notes of GRAMMY-award winner Mary Youngblood's flute rose above the din of voices on March 11, 2009, at The California Museum in Sacramento, as the onlookers admired the exquisite baskets on display. Over 200 people attended the pre-opening reception for "American Masterpieces: the Legacy of California Indian Baskets," a special exhibit brought together through the efforts of the California Arts Council and California State Parks, with funds from the National Endowment for the Arts' "American Masterpieces" program. The exhibit will be on display until March of 2010.

New this week for the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Endowment for the Arts
Obama picks former Congressman for the Humanities post, and an NEA increase passes Congressional subcommittee

There were a handful of announcements and activities in Washington, D.C., that involved national arts and humanities and related programs. Obama looks to a Republican former Congressman to take the top job at the National Endowment for the Humanities, and a funding bill that includes an increase to the National Endowment for the Arts makes its way through Congress.

Two Californians Honored With "Arts Leadership Awards"
Local Arts Agency Executive Directors from San Diego and Silicon Valley received honors on June 18 at Americans for the Arts annual conference

Of the six Arts Leadership Awards from Americans for the Arts this year, two went to outstanding Californians. Victoria Hamilton, Executive Director of the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, received the 2009 Selina Roberts Ottum Award, while Bruce Davis, Executive Director of Arts Council Silicon Valley, was honored with the 2009 Michael Newton Award. Both were presented at the Americans for the Arts annual convention in Seattle on June 18 at a luncheon attended by hundreds of arts administrators, artists and advocates.

Santa Barbara County's Spencer Klavan wins 2009 California Poetry Out Loud; Monterey County's Kylie Tressa Gael Batlin takes second
Klavan and Batlin tie for first, repeat poem in unprecedented "fourth round"

After five students competed in the third and "final" round for California Poetry Out Loud, the judges were in a predicament: two students had tied for first place. Rather than make a snap decision, the judges asked to again hear one poem from each student. When it was over, the winner took first by one tenth of one percent.

Members of the Joint Committee on the Arts Appointed by Legislative Leadership
Legislative committee of Assembly and Senate members may convene to explore issues relating to California arts and creative industries

A full complement of members has been appointed to the Joint Committee on the Arts by leaders of the Senate and the Assembly. This means that the Committee can discuss and explore arts issues and hold public hearings on the arts. Click "more" to see Committee members.

Carol Muske-Dukes appointed California's Poet Laureate
Governor Schwarzenegger calls USC professor "an accomplished and decorated poet and author"

Governor Schwarzenegger appointed Carol Muske-Dukes, an accomplished writer and professor at the University of Southern California, Poet Laureate for the state of California.