California’s stories live in family traditions, neighborhood gathering places, works of art, and the histories preserved in our libraries. They represent the diverse cultures that make up our state and the unique perspectives by which we interpret the world. The arts and humanities provide opportunities to engage with those histories and exchange knowledge. Creating spaces where people can share their stories and ask one another questions fosters a greater sense of understanding for all. This is done while respecting the unique history and perspective of each community. Such interactions serve to build trust, enhance our sense of belonging to one another, and create a democracy in which everyone has a say.

Making these opportunities accessible is a shared responsibility. Every community must have the resources needed to preserve its histories, practice its traditions, and add to the conversations that shape life. Continued support for the arts and humanities helps make participation possible, whether through a local storytelling project or cultural programming at a public library. When we expand access across languages, generations, and regions, more Californians have the opportunity to see their experiences reflected, learn from different perspectives, and bring their voices to decisions that affect their communities.

In October, we celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month, joining together under the banner theme of Common Ground: Arts, Humanities & the Stories We Share. In the month ahead, our partners will encourage Californians to use videos, digital collections, and public programs to explore how storytelling, the arts, and the humanities bring people together in civic life. The work of libraries, artists, historians, and community organizations helps sustain spaces for discovery and the imagination of the future that we want to see. Your support helps to ensure that people across California can participate in cultural life, contribute their experiences, and discover common ground through the stories we share.

CA for the Arts

California for the Arts is your statewide arts advocacy organization working to build public will, resources, and coalitions to advance an equitable and thriving arts and cultural workforce and creative industries. For over 20 years, the organization has helped secure major legislative wins and hundreds of millions of dollars in public funding for the field. Its advocacy turns community priorities into public investment. See what advocates accomplished together in the final 2026-27 California budget: What the budget means for arts and culture.

This October, CA for the Arts shares Voices at the Summit, an interview series with Arts.Co.Lab that puts Common Ground: Arts, Humanities & the Stories We Share into practice. Filmed at the 2026 CA Arts & Culture Summit, each conversation invites artists and cultural leaders, including Luis Valdez, Christian Arana, Nu Goteh, Hector Flores, amongst others, to tell their own stories and show how sharing them builds belonging, hope, and collective action. Common ground begins when people recognize the power in their own stories.

➡️ Watch Voices at the Summit on YouTube, with new episodes weekly.

➡️ Save the date for the next CA Arts & Culture Summit, April 28-30, 2027.

California State Library

California’s libraries hold much of our state’s history, from historical records and photographs to the personal stories of the people who call this place home. From its earliest days, the California State Library has been committed to preserving and sharing the state’s diverse histories and cultures, helping Californians connect with credible information, one another, and their communities. Although our physical building is based in downtown Sacramento, we offer online collections for Californians to connect with the stories and materials we hold. The Shikishi Haiku, part of the American Haiku Archives official collection, located at the California State Libraryand originally translated by Hiroaki Sato in 1978, is available online as well as in our Google Arts & Culture collection. We also host many recordings of our previous virtual programs on our YouTube channel.

In addition to serving state employees and government, the State Library supports California’s public libraries through grants that strengthen community life, promote equitable access to resources, and spread joy. Programs such as Lunch at the Library, Seed Libraries, and Parks Passes across the state embody the Library’s mission to foster belonging, creativity, and lifelong learning.

California Humanities

As the state’s nonprofit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, California Humanities supports programs that bring California’s histories, cultures, and communities into focus. Through storytelling and public conversations, we invite Californians to ask questions, learn from one another, and consider experiences different from their own. 

On November 10, join us for Everyday Courage at the Mark Taper Auditorium inside the Los Angeles Public Library’s Central Library. This free public program features acclaimed playwright and filmmaker Luis Valdez and honors State Senator Bell Allen and Ann Burroughs, President and CEO of the Japanese American National Museum. Together, we’ll reflect on courage, cultural expression, and the people whose stories have helped shape California. Learn more about our featured speaker and honorees. 

Reclaiming Our Stories is an initiative that centers the histories, cultures, experiences, and futures of California Native people. Save the date for the accompanying exhibition, Reflecting on the Land, which continues its journey at the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation from November 8, 2026, through January 3, 2027. 

California Arts Council

This year, the California Arts Council marks a half-century of bridging communities through the arts. Celebrate with us! The 50th Anniversary of the CAC is an invitation to every Californian to celebrate our state’s cultural heritage. For five decades, the CAC has championed the transformative power of the arts. 

The public is encouraged to join the celebration. To stay apprised of 50th anniversary activities, public meetings, and special announcements, please subscribe to ArtBeat, the CAC’s official