Overview
The State of California offers a variety of creative arts careers to support agencies and communities across the state.
Arts and design professionals in state government can develop therapeutic programs, support mental health and wellness initiatives, provide rehabilitative services, design educational and community outreach materials or use creative expression to enhance quality of life and recovery outcomes.
Did you know that you can work in creative arts roles in a variety of public service settings? Professionals in this field come from different backgrounds, but they all share a passion for supporting the well-being and enrichment of Californians through creativity and care. Whether you are a recent graduate, current student or an experienced artist, there are opportunities for a meaningful career in California state government.
What You Might Work On
In California state government, professionals in this field often:
- Use art (i.e., painting, music, dance) to provide therapeutic rehabilitation services in state-funded institutions
- Design graphics and products for California state agencies to use in digital and print materials
- Create and/or manage exhibits at California state museums or historic sites
- Provide administrative support to the film and television industry in California
Is This a Good Fit?
While roles and responsibilities vary, you might enjoy this field if you:
- Prefer not to have a traditional desk job
- Want to grow your art portfolio in a public service context
- Like teaching the arts to the public and specialized communities
Job Classifications
What are job classifications?
Job classifications map to specific job titles found across California state government. A corresponding code maps to the required exam for that classification. For example, 00102884 is the code for Graphic Designer.
How to use them:
You can use the job classifications to search for positions on CalCareers in the classification section within the advanced search filter. You can also use key words to find roles in the search bar on the home page. Below is a list of common examples, but additional roles and classifications can be found on CalCareers.
| Exam Code | Classification Name | Common Keywords | What You’ll Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00102884 | Graphic Designer | Graphic Designer; Graphic Design; Design | Responsible for consultation, research, concept development and execution in the production of visual communication products |
| 00102838 | Audio-Visual Specialist | Audiovisual; AV | Performs the technical and professional work in the preparation of audio-visual materials; selects the media by which audio-visual work is to be prepared and determines methods and costs of reproduction |
| 00102814 | Exhibit Designer/Coordinator | Exhibit; Museum | Prepares preliminary and final designs for exhibits in museums, visitor centers and outdoor areas; prepares cost estimates and material and fabrication specifications |
| 00105658 | Institution Artist/Facilitator | Artist; Art | Serves as a resident artist and/or arts program facilitator for one or more correctional institutions or hospitals housing mentally disabled patients; represents the arts program and gives that program a breadth beyond the artist/facilitator’s own arts discipline |
| 00102843 | Senior Photographer | Photographer; Photography | Performs still and motion picture photography and photographic processing |
| 00105648 | Motion Picture Production Analyst | Motion Picture; Film | Develops policies and procedures to promote the filming of motion pictures and television production in California; develops and disseminates promotional materials |
Where You Could Work
State government is broad — so where do you start?
One approach is to focus on a type of role. Another is to focus on a mission area or the kind of impact you want to have (i.e., in public health, education, transportation or elsewhere).
Keep in mind: mission areas often span multiple agencies, so you may find relevant roles in places you wouldn’t expect!
Professionals in this field work across many state agencies depending on mission area, including:
- Art Therapy: California Department of Education
- AV Systems: California Employment Development Department
- Graphic Design: California Department of Developmental Services
Examples of California Agencies with Creative Arts
Did you know you could have a creative arts career at one of these agencies? Note: This is not an exhaustive list of all the options in California state government, but a helpful starting place as you begin exploring your future creative arts career!
| Agency Name |
|---|
| California Department of Developmental Services |
| California Department of Education |
| California Department of Parks & Recreation |
| California Department of State Hospitals |
Sample Positions
Design & Decor Event Coordinator [00104903]
| Employer / agency | Orange County Fair & Event Center – District Agricultural Association, California Department of Food and Agriculture |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Orange County |
| Mission context | Enhancing equitable community access to agriculture, entertainment, cultural and educational experiences |
In this role, you may:
- Support the planning, coordination and execution of exhibits for the Orange County Fair & Event Center
- Collaborate with designers and other departments to transform creative ideas into scenic elements, props and displays that enhance guest experience
Seamer [00102076]
| Employer / agency | California Department of State Hospitals |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Napa County |
| Mission context | Provide evaluation and treatment for individuals with complex behavioral health needs in a safe, equitable and responsible manner by leading innovation and excellence across a continuum of care |
In this role, you may:
- Make and repair clothing and linen using a single or double power-driven sewing machine
- Cut, measure and construct specialty clothing items, curtains, sheets and other articles
Art Therapist [00108414]
| Employer / agency | California Department of State Hospitals |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | San Bernardino County |
| Mission context | Provide evaluation and treatment for individuals with complex behavioral health needs in a safe, equitable and responsible manner by leading innovation and excellence across a continuum of care |
In this role, you may:
- Develop and implement rehabilitative programs and services using art activities
- Develop treatment programs based on identified patient needs
