As it became clear that creativity and innovation were the benchmarks of the new, global economy, California became a catalyst for new thinking about the arts, about the creative economy, about schools, our communities, and about the places where people live and work or spend their leisure time.
When the agency got a revitalized board and a new executive director, Craig Watson, they saw the arts as vital to the future of the state, and since California leads the world in exporting its theatrical film and television product, its software and high tech innovations, the state’s success was the nation’s best hope leading a robust world economy.
Governor Brown and the leadership in the Assembly must have seen the same as the budget of the California Arts Council, the state agency for advancing the arts, increased from just $5 million in 2011 to nearly $25 million this year. For too many years before, the Council limped along on the lowest allocation per capita. It ranked 50th since 2003, except for 2011 when Kansas temporarily eliminated all arts funding.
For a state that is home to Silicon Valley and high tech invention, to Hollywood and the single largest export in the world: theatrical films, it has always been a mystery why so few dollars were spent on the arts. That is now history.
As Watson shepherded the creation of the Council's current strategic plan, he guided the agency into new and critically important programming and services, like the redesign and improvement of programs that serve arts education, including helping to develop a “Blueprint for Creative Schools”, funding to “economically challenged communities”, along with supporting regional and statewide arts organizations and their partners making it possible for community based organizations to collaborate.
According to the agency, “At the Capitol, Watson championed state legislation authorizing the development of California's state-designated cultural districts program and spearheaded the successful revitalization of California's tax return Voluntary Contribution Fund for arts education, the Keep Arts in Schools Fund. He fostered increased engagement with the legislative Joint Committee on the Arts. This included the establishment of annual hearings assessing the economic and cultural impact of the arts and creativity in California.”
Watson also championed state legislation spearheading the successful revitalization of California's tax return Voluntary Contribution Fund for arts education, and the Keep Arts in Schools Fund, and increased engagement with the legislative Joint Committee on the Arts, which included the establishment of annual hearings assessing the economic and cultural impact of the arts and creativity in California.
Watson is leaving the council this April after more than 5 years, but he leaves behind a unique legacy: transforming California’s only vehicle for advocating the arts, and the arts agenda for creativity in all we do.
Donn K. Harris, Chair of the California Arts Council said, in making the announcement of Watson’s departure, "It has been a privilege to work alongside Craig Watson. Craig is a dedicated, passionate, and visionary arts leader who has guided the California Arts Council through a time of tremendous growth. His commitment to the people of California and our arts communities has been unwavering, and I know the impact of his many accomplishments will remain for years to come. I am grateful to Craig for his leadership and his friendship."