A recent clarification from a state tax agency could be a significant boon for the arts in the state. California Arts License Plate fees are charitable deductions to the State of California for tax purposes, according to the Franchise Tax Board. The clarification comes just in time for the holidays and end-of-year charitable planning and serves as a platform to launch a goal of affixing one million new arts plates to California cars.

Whether the additional fees Californians voluntarily pay for Arts Plates were considered a charitable contribution to the State of California was in question for years.

The recent clarification is especially helpful for businesses and residents looking to support arts statewide. Sales and renewals of the Arts Plate account for over 60 percent of the California Arts Council’s budget. Currently the state’s per capita investment in the arts is around 10 cents per person even with the Arts Plate funds, putting California in last place compared to other states in the nation.

“It’s a crucial time for the arts in California,” said Malissa Feruzzi Shriver, Chair of the California Arts Council. “Our economy relies on creative minds, artistic organizations and innovative workers, yet our per capita state investment in the arts is the lowest in the nation. Individuals and businesses can help change that by buying Arts Plates, especially for the upcoming holidays and as part of end-of-year charitable donations.”

“One million cars with California Arts Plates would mean close to $40 million for the arts,” continued Feruzzi Shriver. “That would put California near the top in arts funding rather than dead last.”

The California Arts Council is the state agency that advances California through the arts and creativity, and the agency’s programs emphasize arts for children and communities. The Arts Plate, designed by California artist Wayne Thiebaud, first hit the roadways in 1994. Since then sales and renewals of the plate have provided over $20 million for the arts in California. Fees for sales and renewals of the Arts Plate go directly into the Arts Plate Fund, minus the Department of Motor Vehicles’ cost to fabricate and administer the plate.

For more information about the California Arts License Plate, contact the California Arts Council’s communication director Mary Beth Barber at (916) 322-6588, (916) 835-5580 (cell) or mbarber@cac.ca.gov.

Help the Rancho Cucamonga Hearts for Arts initiative!  Donate all holiday season leading up to Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day isn’t the only day you’ll be able to show your love this February.  Hearts for Arts is a month long celebration of Rancho Cucamonga’s love for the performing arts highlighted by two special events.

Hearts for Arts will kick off on February 6th with Southern California’s favorite weatherman, Fritz Coleman, performing his stand up comedy routine on the Lewis Family Playhouse stage.  Tonight at 11! Tickets are priced at $26.500, meet and greet dessert reception tickets are available for an additional $20.00.

All month long, there will be individual donation opportunities at Lewis Family Playhouse performances and you can always support the arts online with a donation through the Rancho Cucamonga Community Foundation through the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s RCpark.com website.

On Saturday, February 20th the Ontario Reign will host a Rancho Cucamonga Community Night benefiting Hearts for Arts, donating at least $1 to the cause from every ticket sold.  The Los Angeles Kings affiliate team will provide visitors to Citizens Business Bank Arena with an exciting night of professional hockey!  Tickets to the Ontario Reign February 20th game are on sale at the Lewis Family Playhouse Box Office (purchase tickets at the Lewis Family Playhouse Box Office and save the $3 Arena facility fee) – game tickets are $12 each.  Call or stop by today:  (909) 477-2752 or 12505 Cultural Center Drive at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center.