Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 40
CHAPTER 69

Relative to Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month.

[ Filed with Secretary of State  July 09, 2021. ]

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


SCR 40, Allen. Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month.
This measure would declare that the Legislature joins Californians throughout the state in celebration of 2021 Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month and would recognize the significant role of artists as “Second Responders” in our state.
Fiscal Committee: NO  
WHEREAS, April is Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month in the Golden State; and
WHEREAS, During the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating to residents and businesses in our state, our nation, and countries around the world; and
WHEREAS, Pre-pandemic, California’s arts, culture, and creative industries totaled $230 billion; represented over 8% of the gross state product, placing the arts ahead of the construction and transportation industries; employed over 750,000 workers; and played a key role in support of, and as a part of, the state’s tourism industry; and
WHEREAS, The arts has been among the hardest hit sectors during the pandemic, with 59% of creative workers unemployed by COVID-19, and 69% of creative businesses, including nonprofits, severely impacted and suffering an estimated $43.1 billion in revenue in 2020; and
WHEREAS, The creative community always finds ways to lift us up during our most difficult times; even while facing devastating impacts to their own livelihoods and well-being; and
WHEREAS, While we acknowledge and honor the heroic role of our health care workers and first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic, we also appreciate the ways in which the creative community stepped in as second responders to provide solace to our first responders who have suffered stress and trauma that are often not recognized or supported; and
WHEREAS, The pandemic has further highlighted the role of artists as essential workers, including the power of the arts to bring us together through isolation and to support community mental health and well-being, both during crisis, and as we emerge from trauma;
WHEREAS, State support for the arts, arts education, cultural institutions, and creative venues is crucial for our state to fully recover economically and to provide equitable access to the arts in all communities; and culture and creativity will be essential to bringing about social cohesion, furthering mental health support and wellness, job creation, and opportunities for our youth; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature joins Californians throughout the state in celebration of 2021 Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month, and, further, recognizes the significant role of artists as “Second Responders” in our state; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.