WHEREAS, Animation is the medium of entertainment through moving pictures to give the illusion of movement, bringing stories to life; and

WHEREAS, Animation shapes the cultural, economic, and social fabric of our society, employing an estimated 18,200 Californians as of 2020, and is the foundation of many of our favorite films, shows, video games, and commercials; and

WHEREAS, Californians consume animated content on a daily basis, bringing people of all ages joy, inspiration, and emotional catharsis; and

WHEREAS, California is the entertainment and media hub of the world, with major studios headquartered here, and is considered the birthplace and home of modern animation today; and

WHEREAS, Animation fans from around the globe travel to California to visit Hollywood, our theme parks, and studios, boosting the state’s tourism sector, which generated over $150 billion in travel spending in 2023; and

WHEREAS, The field of animation faces unprecedented transformation with the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, bringing both challenges and opportunities; and

WHEREAS, There are reports of the next generation of artists dropping out of art programs, art apprenticeships being discontinued, and art jobs being eliminated; and

WHEREAS, It is crucial, now more than ever, to support Californians in the art and entertainment industry; and

WHEREAS, Organizations like Women in Animation and countless others have been on the front lines standing up for artists since the advent of digitization, ensuring creatives’ voices are heard, and advancing gender equity and representation in the field; and

WHEREAS, Women in Animation provides professional development opportunities for aspiring and current professionals in animation, visual effects, and gaming, such as mentorship, scholarships, and networking events in an effort to close the gender gap, as only about one-third of creative roles are held by women; now, therefore, be it