What if being an artist meant you didn’t have to worry about paying rent? What if you could focus on painting, writing, making music—or whatever your art is—without the constant pressure of surviving? That’s exactly what Sacramento is trying to make possible.
In 2025, the city launched a groundbreaking program: 200 local artists are now receiving $850 a month for one full year—no strings attached. No need to prove they’re working. No need to fill out endless forms. Just money to support their creative lives.
Let’s take a closer look at why this matters, how the program works, and what it could mean for the future of art in America.
Let’s take a closer look at why this matters, how the program works, and what it could mean for the future of art in America.
Why Artists Need a Basic IncomeBeing an artist isn’t easy. You might sell a painting this month—and earn nothing the next. Most artists have to juggle side jobs in restaurants or stores just to get by. That leaves little time and energy for actual creativity.
Sacramento’s leaders realized that if they want the arts to thrive, they need to support the people who create it—not just galleries and festivals. Artists bring color, meaning, and inspiration to a city. Without them, culture fades.
Sacramento’s leaders realized that if they want the arts to thrive, they need to support the people who create it—not just galleries and festivals. Artists bring color, meaning, and inspiration to a city. Without them, culture fades.
How the Program Works
This new initiative is called the Creative Economy Guaranteed Income Program. It’s funded by federal grants and private donations and run by the city’s Office of Arts & Culture.
Here’s how it works:
To join, you just had to live in Sacramento and show that you’re a working artist. That’s it.
What the Artists Are Saying
The impact has been huge—emotionally and financially.
Sierra Ray, a sculptor and college teacher, said:
“These $850 each month mean freedom. I don’t have to worry about losing my studio. I can finally return to a project I’ve been dreaming about for years.”
Another artist, a street musician named Tyler, used his first few checks to buy proper equipment and rent a small recording space. Now, he’s working on his first album.
There are no limits on how artists can spend the money. Rent, food, materials, healthcare, even rest—all are valid. The city just asks for feedback at the end of the year to understand how the program helped.
This new initiative is called the Creative Economy Guaranteed Income Program. It’s funded by federal grants and private donations and run by the city’s Office of Arts & Culture.
Here’s how it works:
- 200 artists were selected through an application process
- They each get $850 a month
- Payments last for 12 months
- No job requirements or reporting rules
- All kinds of artists were invited: painters, musicians, poets, photographers, designers, performers, and more
To join, you just had to live in Sacramento and show that you’re a working artist. That’s it.
What the Artists Are Saying
The impact has been huge—emotionally and financially.
Sierra Ray, a sculptor and college teacher, said:
“These $850 each month mean freedom. I don’t have to worry about losing my studio. I can finally return to a project I’ve been dreaming about for years.”
Another artist, a street musician named Tyler, used his first few checks to buy proper equipment and rent a small recording space. Now, he’s working on his first album.
There are no limits on how artists can spend the money. Rent, food, materials, healthcare, even rest—all are valid. The city just asks for feedback at the end of the year to understand how the program helped.
Why It Matters for Sacramento
This isn’t just about helping individual artists. It’s about investing in the soul of the city.
When artists feel supported, they give back—through murals, performances, community events, workshops, and more. The entire city becomes more vibrant and creative.
Sacramento also wants to build its reputation as a creative hub, alongside cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Supporting artists directly is a powerful way to do that.
This isn’t just about helping individual artists. It’s about investing in the soul of the city.
When artists feel supported, they give back—through murals, performances, community events, workshops, and more. The entire city becomes more vibrant and creative.
Sacramento also wants to build its reputation as a creative hub, alongside cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Supporting artists directly is a powerful way to do that.
What Critics Say
Not everyone is on board. Some people argue the money should go to roads, housing, or other services. Others fear that giving money “for free” will make artists lazy.
But studies from other cities—like Stockton and Oakland—show the opposite: when people have a stable income, they tend to work more, not less. They feel healthier, less stressed, and more connected to their communities.
Guaranteed income isn’t about handouts. It’s about trust and empowerment.
Will This Program Continue?
For now, it’s a one-year pilot program. But city leaders hope to expand it if the results are strong.
They’ll be looking at:
Some advocates are already calling for a permanent arts support fund, combining public and private money. There’s also talk of expanding the program to include writers, designers, and other creative workers.
A New Way to Think About Art
This project is sending a clear message: Art matters. Artists matter.
When you support artists, you don’t just get pretty paintings. You get stronger communities, deeper conversations, and a more beautiful, thoughtful city.
Sacramento is showing what’s possible. If it works here, it could work anywhere.
Not everyone is on board. Some people argue the money should go to roads, housing, or other services. Others fear that giving money “for free” will make artists lazy.
But studies from other cities—like Stockton and Oakland—show the opposite: when people have a stable income, they tend to work more, not less. They feel healthier, less stressed, and more connected to their communities.
Guaranteed income isn’t about handouts. It’s about trust and empowerment.
Will This Program Continue?
For now, it’s a one-year pilot program. But city leaders hope to expand it if the results are strong.
They’ll be looking at:
- How artists used the money
- Their mental and physical health
- New projects they created
- Their impact on the city’s cultural life
Some advocates are already calling for a permanent arts support fund, combining public and private money. There’s also talk of expanding the program to include writers, designers, and other creative workers.
A New Way to Think About Art
This project is sending a clear message: Art matters. Artists matter.
When you support artists, you don’t just get pretty paintings. You get stronger communities, deeper conversations, and a more beautiful, thoughtful city.
Sacramento is showing what’s possible. If it works here, it could work anywhere.
And for 200 artists in 2025, $850 a month is more than money—it’s hope, time, and permission to dream again.