Staff
Meet your state arts agency staff
We are the staff of the California Arts Council. More than that, we are artists. And activists. And cultural workers. And community organizers who—just like you—understand the power and the capacity of creative work to lift up our state’s diverse communities. It’s our job to invest in you, the individuals and arts organizations that keep California unique, healthy, and vibrant.
Danielle Brazell (she/her)
Executive Director
Responsible for ensuring that the California Arts Council’s policies, processes and programs succeed in fulfilling CAC’s mission of strengthening arts, culture, and creative expression as the tools to cultivate a better California for all. The ED reports to the office of the Governor; works closely with the Legislature; oversees all external relationships, supports and advises the Council, and leads and supports the agency staff.
Ayanna L. Kiburi (she/her)
Deputy Director
Primary advisor to the Council and Director. Oversees the agency’s administrative and programmatic operations. Responsible for identifying and implementing long-range plans to address the resource needs required to support the California Arts Council’s mission and Strategic Plan.
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Coordinates the Cultural Districts program.
Manages and implements the CAC’s Racial Equity Action Plan and facilitates internal work groups and updates while serving as a liaison to executive management and to internal and external stakeholders, other state agencies and partners. Develops recommendations for sustaining racial equity objectives and outcomes.
Coordinates press and outreach efforts. Editor of Arts Council newsletter and blog.
Accounting lead and provides fiscal reporting to state control agencies.
Reception, office supplies procurement, and storage of CAC records.
Processes all member grants and creates grant purchase orders.
Human resources coordinator and special projects.
Administrative support for Arts in Corrections. Coordinates Arts in Corrections procurement, contracts, and invoices.
Coordinates Arts & Cultural Organizations General Operating Relief, Folk and Traditional Arts, and Statewide and Regional Networks.
Responsible for coordinating agency policies and procedures as well as overseeing records management.
Responsible for the California Arts Council’s information technology, including governance, infrastructure, and functionality.
Supports the agency’s outreach, event, and communication efforts.
Accounting and grant payment support.
Coordinates literary arts programming, including Poetry Out Loud, California Poet Laureate, and California Youth Poet Laureate.
Procurement lead and administrative support for grant programs.
Coordinates Impact Projects, Cultural Pathways, JUMP Starts, Reentry Through the Arts, and Creative Youth Development.
Coordinates Cultural Pathways, Cultural Pathways – Technical Assistance, and JUMP StArts.
Provides technical assistance and general inquiry support for all grant programs. Supports all grant panel activities.
Administrative support for grant programs.
Agency’s budget analyst and human resources coordinator.
