LOS ANGELES — In May, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed revised state budget included several cuts to the performing arts, fully cutting the state’s innovative Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund ($12.5 million), plus a reduction of 38% ($10 million) in state grant funding for small arts nonprofits through the California Arts Council (CAC).

Martha Demson, producing artistic director of the Open Fist Theatre Company and board president of Theatre Producers of Southern California, helped lead a campaign to reverse the budget cuts. As a result, the funds for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (as well as other funding) were fully restored.