Honk If You Love the Arts

How is the California Arts Council dealing with a shortage of funding for the arts? By hitting the road. Its current campaign to put arts license plates on 1 million vehicles throughout the state would bring in $40 million in art funding, and a recent ruling making the special plates tax deductible may be just the driving force the council needs.

“Our economy relies on creative minds, artistic organizations and innovative workers,” says council chair Malissa Feruzzi Shriver. “Yet our per capita state investment in the arts is the lowest in the nation.”

The plates, designed by artist Wayne Thiebaud, account for more than 60 percent of the council’s total budget. About $35 of each $50 plate purchase goes directly towards the arts. For more information on how to purchase the plates, visit www.cac.ca.gov.