Resources
San José Arts Advocates compiled this simple Google Doc with links to resources, funding opportunities, and more information targeted to local artists and creative organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A program of Americans for the Arts, the Arts Action Fund is at the forefront of advancing the arts in America. They are the only national arts advocacy organization dedicating 100% of their time, money, and political clout to advancing the arts in America.
Californians for the Arts is an arts advocacy organization that increases public awareness of the importance of the arts, ensures that the arts are an ongoing part of the public dialogue, and encourages Californians to care about the arts as a critical component of their own lives and the lives of their communities.
genARTS Silicon Valley empowers creative individuals and emerging arts leaders through professional development, advocacy, and networking opportunities.
Through a year–long training program, MALI develops local multicultural arts practitioners by giving them the technical skills, philosophical underpinnings, and networking opportunities necessary to grow and sustain their individual work, organizations, and arts sector in Silicon Valley.
The Office of Cultural Affairs is the City of San José’s lead agency for supporting the development of a rich arts and cultural environment for this diverse city’s one million residents and its many visitors.
As part of our mission to build public will and support for arts and culture, San José Arts Advocates is excited to provide you with these resources to help activate your arts vote.
We encourage you to share this information with your family, your colleagues, and your coworkers. And most importantly, we urge you to VOTE.
Please note that SJAA does not (currently) endorse or advocate for candidates or ballot measures. Our aim is to educate the local creative community on the policies and issues that impact their lives and wellbeing. How you vote and who you vote for is entirely up to you.
Register
The first and most important step in voting is getting registered.
Not sure if you’re registered? Visit the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters, where you can:
You can also register at any Vote Center when you cast a ballot.
Educate
Get the FACTS before you VOTE!
Vote411 is a project of the League of Women Voters to provide a comprehensive, unbiased, nonpartisan online guide to elections at the federal, state, and local level. You can use Vote411 to:
- Learn what’s on your ballot based on your address
- Get in-depth information on candidates, ballot measures, who supports them, and who’s spending money for and against them
- Read objective explanations and watch quick informational videos
- Find out where, when, and how to vote, including local polling locations and vote centers
- Keep track of your choices and save them for Election Day
Visit Vote411 to educate yourself today!
San José Elections
Every two years, voters elect City Councilmembers in 5 of 10 districts, and every four years, we vote on who should be Mayor. In the March 5, 2024 Primary Election, the Mayor and even-numbered council districts were up for election, and there arefour contested races remaining in the November 5, 2024 General Election. This is our chance to have an impact on who makes the decisions on arts and culture policy at the city and county level.
With that in mind, SJAA developed a questionnaire that we shared with all of the candidates. We’re sharing their (unedited) responses in order for the San José creative community to get to know them and make more informed decisions with their votes. Read up here.
Learn more about San José elections here.
City of San José Campaign Finances
Want to know more about who’s contributing to city council candidates, how they’re spending the money, and how much is being spent by outside groups like PACs, business groups, and labor unions?
Visit the city’s public campaign finance portal, and stay tuned for tools from our friends at Code for San José to help you sort through the numbers!
Mobilize
Do you have a PLAN to VOTE?
Every election cycle, every voter in California is sent a ballot in the mail at the address where they’re registered. In order to make sure your vote counts, we encourage you to complete your ballot and return it as soon as possible.
You can postmark it all the way up to Election Day, but why wait? Plus, you get to wear a cool sticker!
Three easy ways to return your completed ballot:
- Mail it and track it
- Drop it off at a convenient location in your neighborhood
- Find a Vote Center
Take the ArtsVote Pledge today!
Americans for the Arts Action Fund has launched the ArtsVote campaign to educate and encourage all artists and arts advocates to make their vote count on November 3rd by taking action early. Take the ArtsVote pledge to receive exclusive access to original images created by renowned contemporary artist Shepard Fairey. You can also take this pledge from Californians for the Arts and learn more about voting in the Golden State.