Arts Council: The Broader the Better

California has been much heralded as the model for what America will be in the 21st Century. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the state’s richly diverse population that is coloring the California landscape with a refreshing multiculturalism. But recent appointments to the California Arts Council are a stinging denial of this changing face.

The prestigious council, which distributes state arts funds, now has only one minority member, Consuelo Santos-Killins. The dearth of minority representation is a legacy of the former governor, whose last five appointments left the 11-member council sadly lacking in diversity.

Will the virtual monochromatic look of the council result in a colorless vision that sets back its recent noteworthy achievements in fostering multiculturalism in the arts?

The council has looked for diversity in the organizations that seek state grants. It has developed outreach programs to embrace ethnic arts organizations. Though the actual dollars allocated to alternative and minority arts groups and programs are still a small segment of its $13 million in annual grants, the council has helped to enrich the cultural tapestry of California. The council’s own staff and review panels that make recommendations on grant requests are diverse.

Unfortunately, the council’s makeup is contradictory to its well-founded multicultural policies. Gov. Pete Wilson should act promptly to restore much needed diversity to the council to enhance the opportunities for multiculturalism in the arts.