October is Arts and Humanities Month

October is National Arts & Humanities Month (NAHM)! This is the largest celebration for the arts and humanities in the nation. As described by Americans for the Arts, “a collective recognition of the importance of culture in America.” 

This celebration was launched by Americans for the Arts more than 30 years ago as National Arts Week in honor of the twentieth anniversary of the National Endowment for the Arts. In 1993, it was reestablished by Americans for the Arts and national arts partners as a month-long celebration, with several goals, including the following: 

FOCUSING on the arts at local, state, and national levels;

ENCOURAGING individuals and organizations to participate in the arts;

ALLOWING governments and businesses to show their support of the arts; and

RAISING public awareness about the role the arts and humanities play in our communities and lives.

Want to get involved? Here’s what you can do! 

• Post on social media, here are some ideas for each day this month from Americans for the Arts. Use the hashtag #ShowYourArts2019

• Ask for a local government proclamation from your mayor or city council! 

• Spread the word to friends, family and meda! 

• Have a creative conversation in your community. Gather to discuss the topic “How is the past shaping the future of the arts?” Learn how to start or find an event on the Creative Conversations resource page. 

Happy National Arts and Humanities Month!