Established by the State of California in 1976, the California Arts Council is a state agency with a mission of strengthening arts, culture, and creative expression as the tools to cultivate a better California for all.
The Arts Education Exposure (AEE) program, initiated by the California Arts Council (CAC) in 2016, aims to support the attendance of students, especially those from priority communities impacted significantly by socio-economic status, geographic location, or life experiences, at high-quality performances and exhibits. This grant program focuses on providing students with enriching experiences through art exhibits, performances, field trips to art venues, and in-school assemblies. It emphasizes the importance of students engaging with culturally resonant artistic work demonstrated by artists with a high level of craftsmanship and commitment. The program also values complementary pre- and post-attendance activities like artist talkbacks, teaching artist workshops, and facility tours, aiming to deepen the impact of the exposure to the arts on the students involved.