California Governor Gavin Newsom reaffirmed his commitment to arts funding during the BottleRock Napa Valley 2025 music festival, despite a looming state budget shortfall and recent federal reductions in cultural grants. Speaking backstage at the three-day event, Newsom underscored the importance of defending free expression and cultural institutions, delivering a pointed message: “Make arts matter again.”
Arts Advocacy in the Heart of Napa
Held from May 23–25 at the Napa Valley Expo, BottleRock 2025 brought together music lovers, wine aficionados, and culinary enthusiasts for a weekend of world-class performances and celebrity appearances. Amid the festivities, Newsom seized the moment to spotlight the arts amid financial threats.
Flanked by industry veterans and festival organizers, Newsom praised legendary musician Neil Young for his unwavering support of artists and his outspoken defense of creative freedom. “Neil Young has shown incredible integrity,” Newsom said. “At a time when truth and art are both under fire, we need voices like his.”
Newsom’s appearance came as California considers slashing $11.5 million from funding for small nonprofit arts organizations, part of a broader strategy to offset an estimated $11.95 billion state budget deficit. These cuts, he said, would be a blow to community-driven art and live performances that enrich California’s diverse cultural landscape.
Federal Reductions Compound Local Setbacks
California’s arts community is not only grappling with state-level funding threats but also feeling the sting of federal belt-tightening. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) recently cut approximately $25 million in grant funding, citing a redirection of priorities toward commemorative and institutional initiatives, such as the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and support for historically Black colleges and universities.
Many small California-based arts groups, already on precarious financial footing, received rejection letters stating their programs “fall outside” of the revised priorities. The timing of both state and federal cuts has prompted an outcry among cultural institutions, many of which depend heavily on public funding to operate.
One of the most at-risk programs is the Equitable Payroll Fund, created in 2022 to help small nonprofit performing arts organizations cover payroll costs. The fund proved so popular that its grant application portal closed within 10 days of opening in March 2025 due to overwhelming demand.
Backlash and Mobilization
Arts advocates across the state have mobilized in response. Actors’ Equity Association, representing thousands of live performance professionals, announced plans to spearhead a coalition aimed at preserving arts funding. Brooke Shields, the association’s president, issued a statement criticizing the proposed cuts: “At a time when the arts are under attack in Washington, D.C., it’s deeply disappointing to also be fighting funding cuts again in Sacramento.”
Supporters argue that the Equitable Payroll Fund is essential for sustaining jobs in the arts sector and maintaining access to cultural experiences in small and mid-sized communities. Eliminating the program, they warn, would result in widespread job losses and diminished arts programming, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
BottleRock: A Symbol of California’s Creative Spirit
As a blend of entertainment, food, and culture, BottleRock Napa Valley provided a fitting venue for Newsom’s advocacy. The 2025 festival featured headlining performances by Green Day, Justin Timberlake, and Noah Kahan, drawing tens of thousands of attendees. Celebrities including Serena Williams and Ken Griffey Jr. made guest appearances, reinforcing the festival’s reputation as a premier cultural event.
Newsom’s personal history in Napa Valley—he founded the PlumpJack Group in 1992, which includes several local wineries—deepened his connection to the event. His remarks were not only a policy statement but also a reflection of his long-standing investment in California’s cultural and creative industries.
Looking Ahead
As the state legislature debates the upcoming budget, arts funding remains a flashpoint issue. Advocates stress that investing in the arts delivers dividends: stimulating local economies, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting social cohesion.
Governor Newsom’s rallying cry—“Make arts matter again”—has emerged as a central theme for those defending the arts in California. Whether his appeal will translate into restored funding remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly reignited public discourse around the value of artistic expression and cultural investment.
