top of page
Search

Prop 28 Arts Education Funding California What Schools Need to Know

In 2022, California voters approved Proposition 28 – The Arts and Music in Schools Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act, a historic initiative designed to expand access to arts education for students across the state.

​

Beginning in the 2023–2024 school year, Proposition 28 created a new, ongoing funding stream dedicated specifically to arts and music education in California public schools from TK through 12th grade.

Permanent, dedicated funding stream for arts and music education in public schools, Prop 28 allocates approximately $800 million to $1 billion annually to ensure that every student in California has access to arts education.


This funding is not temporary. It is embedded into the state budget structure, making it one of the most significant long-term investments in arts education in U.S. history.


For decades, arts education has been underfunded, especially in schools serving low-income, multilingual, and underserved communities.


Prop 28 directly addresses this gap by:

  • Guaranteeing ongoing funding for arts programs

  • Prioritizing schools with higher economic need

  • Expanding access to disciplines such as:

    • Theater

    • Music

    • Dance

    • Visual arts

    • Media arts

This is not just about exposure to the arts, it’s about equity in education!



How the Funding Works


Prop 28 funds are distributed to school districts based on:

  • Total student enrollment

  • Percentage of economically disadvantaged students


Schools must use these funds specifically for:

  • Hiring arts educators

  • Expanding arts programming

  • Partnering with external arts providers


Schools are allowed - and encouraged - to collaborate with external organizations to deliver high-quality arts programming.

How Schools Can Use Proposition 28 Funds


Proposition 28 funding must be used to expand arts education programs in schools.


Eligible arts disciplines include:

How Parents & School Communities Can Advocate


One important fact many families and even educators do not realize is that each school must create a plan for how it will use its Proposition 28 funds.

​​


Parents, teachers, and school communities can play an important role in helping shape how arts programs are implemented.​


Ways families and school communities can participate include:


  • Asking school administrators how Prop 28 funds are being used

  • Participating in school site planning discussions

  • Encouraging programs that expand access to arts education

  • Supporting partnerships with local arts organizations​​

​

When school communities engage in these conversations, they help ensure that students benefit from meaningful creative experiences.



A New Era for Arts Education


Prop 28 marks a turning point. For the first time, California has committed to making arts education not a luxury, but a guaranteed part of every student’s education.

The question is no longer whether arts education belongs in schools, the question is: How far can we take it?

Maximize Proposition 28 Funding Theater Wheel


​​​​By booking Theater Wheel, your school can easily align

with California’s arts funding.  


  • Reach more students: 3–4 shows per day, up to 400 students per performance.

  • Easy Prop 28 Compliance: Fully aligned with K–12 arts standards, including SEL and creative literacy goals.

  • Hands-On Creative Literacy: Students create art, and selected works are published in a seasonal anthology.

  • Equitable Access: High-quality, dual-language theater for underserved communities.

  • Turnkey & Low Effort: Our touring team handles all logistics, setup, and materials.

  • High Impact for Students: Combines professional theater, interactive post-show engagement, and creative expression for a full learning experience.



 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page