In response to AB-127, the California Arts Council convened a statewide Creative Economy Workgroup (CEW) in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), California Labor and Workforce Development Agency and California Department of Education to craft a strategic framework for strengthening California’s $2.9 billion creative sector. Developed through extensive stakeholder collaboration, the plan outlines a roadmap to address today’s challenges while future-proofing the state’s cultural and economic vitality.

This panel brings together statewide leaders who shaped the process to share key findings and recommendations. The conversation will explore how five critical forces—well-being and fragility of social fabric, access to and consolidation of capital, affordability and the depletion of creative industries, technological transformation, and climate impacts—are transforming California’s creative landscape. Panelists will examine innovative policy approaches across workforce development, business incentives, cultural placemaking, and cross-sector integration, as well as strategies including cultural districts, creative tax credits, and artist housing initiatives. Central to this is developing partnerships between state and local governments, ensuring that policy and resources developed at the state level can be adapted, scaled, and implemented by cities and counties to strengthen creative economies across California. Together, these approaches aim to expand opportunities for creative workers while positioning California as a global leader in arts, culture, and creative innovation.

This event will take place in The Gaines Gallery at Oakstop on 1740 Telegraph Ave Oakland, CA 94612

Please note that doors will open 15 minutes early, and the event will begin promptly at the scheduled start time.