Arts License Plate Supports Local Arts Programming and Arts Education Programs

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Wayne Thiebaud, a California painter, first received acclaim in the early 1960s with his paintings of confections like ice cream cones, cakes and soups in thickly textured, bright colors. In the early 1990s, Thiebaud (pronounced “TEE-boh”) created a piece of art for the common Californian: Coastline, more commonly known as the California Arts License Plate.

Since the time car owners were first able to purchase the arts license plate in 1994, the plate design--featuring the palm trees and sunset motif--has become an icon for the Golden State. But Coastline is more than a pretty picture for an automobile. The Arts License Plate directly supports arts organizations and artists providing local arts programming and working with school-age children to make theater, dance, music and the visual arts part of their lives.

“Theater, music, dance and the visual arts are a crucial part of a well-rounded education,” said Muriel Johnson, Director of the California Arts Council.  “The funding from the Arts License Plate helps organizations teach children how to use their creative minds through hands-on activities.”

Anyone who owns a car can get the Arts License Plate by ordering online from the Department of Motor Vehicles at www.dmv.ca.gov. Fees are $50 for a standard plate ($40 renewal) and $90 for a personalized plate ($70 renewal).

Those drivers who love the iconic image of Thiebaud's Coastline for their car also know that their purchase goes towards advancing the arts and creativity for California's children.  Approximately 60 percent of the California Arts Council budget comes from sales and renewals of the Arts License Plate.  More information is available through the California Arts Council's website at www.cac.ca.gov.

The California Arts Council would like to thank the hundreds of organizations that have supported the arts in California and promoted the Arts License Plate since its inception in 1994.  Funds from the Arts License Plate advance California through the arts and creativity, especially through arts for children, public-value programs in the arts, and local arts programming. We appreciate your help in this endeavor.