UMG has announced its support for a statewide ballot initiative to increase funding for California public school arts and music education.

“This measure is critical not only for education and learning but also to mental well-being and even the state’s economic health,” said UMG Chairman/CEO Sir Lucian Grainge. “If enacted, this initiative will ensure a future job-ready workforce and secure California’s position as the global epicenter of music and the arts.”

Said Austin Beutner, former L.A. Unified superintendent and founder of Vision to Learn, “This effort will create a brighter future for public school children and help make sure the workforce in media, technology and entertainment better reflects the diversity in our schools. It will lead to the largest investment in arts and music education in our nation’s history.”

Proposed by Californians for Arts and Music Education in Public Schools, the measure is expected to be considered on the November 2022 ballot. It would provide nearly $900m in additional funding yearly to PreK-12 public schools in California without increasing taxes. Funding would come from existing state revenues and the state budget surplus, to be used for education in music, visual and performing arts, computer graphics, animation, coding and costume design, among other disciplines. Additional funds would be provided to schools that serve students from low-income families.

To qualify for the November 2022 ballot, Californians for Arts and Music Education in Public Schools must collect 623,212 signatures from registered voters before 6/30. For more info, click here.