Governor Newsom,

California's cultural contributions are recognized around the world. Californians have brought forth tremendous works that explore the depths of the human condition, wrestle with society's greatest challenges, and celebrate our shared humanity.  

Sadly, the misguided adoption of AB5 has called into question fundamental constructs of how our rich and diverse California culture is brought forth and made manifest in society. AB5 is acting as a straitjacket upon our sector. Trying to legislate and regulate the working dynamics of the arts through a narrow lens of industry and occupational classifications does not take into account the myriad of ways artists find time and wherewithal to produce their work. And it results in a multitude of situations in which we cannot support artists who are anxious to create--for California audiences who benefit immeasurably from experiencing their work.

Dynamex and AB5, though noble perhaps in their intention to clarify and protect workers in the midst of fundamental technological and business model changes in the economy, are wreaking havoc throughout the arts in California. We ask that you please take a step back from this misguided effort, reassess and craft new legislation that better addresses the subtleties of today's economy without bringing irreparable harm to the arts. 

The arts can, are, and should be a calling card of the California Dream in all its rich and diverse manifestations. Please summon your significant abilities of judgment, fairness and leadership to address this pressing matter. 

Sincerely,

The arts community in Silicon Valley

Photo: Conference of the Birds (San Jose, 2016) - Presented by Sangam Arts and EnActe Arts. Photo by Swagato Basumallick