national arts and humanities month

National Arts and Humanities Month

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is National Arts and Humanities Month?
   National Arts and Humanities Month (NAHM) is a coast-to-coast collective celebration of culture in America. Coordinated by Americans for the Arts, it has become the largest annual celebration of the arts and humanities in the nation. From arts center open houses to mayoral proclamations to banners and newspaper articles, communities across the United States join together to recognize the cultural gems surrounding them.
2. Why have a National Arts and Humanities Month?
   The arts and humanities play an important role in our lives—they provide enrichment and strive to provide enlightening and transformational experiences to the broadest possible cross section of the American public. The arts allow us to explore ideas, express emotions, and better appreciate cultures from around the world. NAHM is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the positive impact the arts bring to our schools and communities.
3. Who designated National Arts and Humanities Month?
   NAHM grew out of National Arts Week, which was begun in 1985 by the National Endowment for the Arts and Americans for the Arts. It became a month-long celebration in 1993.
4. Why is Americans for the Arts leading the promotion of National Arts and Humanities Month?
   Americans for the Arts is the leading national organization dedicated to advancing the arts in America. Its broad network and 45 years of service with local, state, and national arts organizations; government agencies; business leaders; individual philanthropists; educators; and funders allows NAHM to truly be a national celebration.
5. How does Americans for the Arts celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month?
   Americans for the Arts maintains a NAHM website with helpful information, a planning toolkit for arts organizations, an event calendar, and downloads available for visitors. Americans for the Arts also holds national events recognizing NAHM and private-sector contributions to the arts, such as the National Arts Awards, and works with a media sponsor in disseminating its message to the public during October. Americans for the Arts also holds creative conversations—dynamic discussions and gatherings for young arts leaders—throughout the month.
6. Is there a website where I can receive more information about National Arts and Humanities Month?
   Americans for the Arts maintains a NAHM website with information, tips, an events calendar, and downloads available for visitors. Visit us at www.AmericansForTheArts.org/nahm.
7. How can my organization become involved in National Arts and Humanities Month?
   It's as easy as signing-up. Visit the Americans for the Arts website or e-mail to tell us what you are doing. Americans for the Arts also has a national arts events calendar which will promote your NAHM events for free.
8. Are there any costs involved in National Arts and Humanities Month?
   NAHM is a free national event. Americans for the Arts encourages organizations to offer discounted or free events in their communities—such as open houses, art walks, or demonstrations—in an effort to encourage maximum participation. However, there are often marketing and logistical costs involved in planning these activities.
9. Are there any funding opportunities available for my organization?
   Currently Americans for the Arts cannot provide funding support for other organizations' NAHM activities. The toolkit available on the NAHM website does offer tips for securing funding for community arts events.
10. What can I do to celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month?
    Every individual can celebrate NAHM, whether you are a school teacher, a doctor, a fourth-grader, or a grandmother. You can see a play, attend a local art gallery's open house, write your member of Congress asking for more arts funding, or participate in a poetry open mic night. The NAHM website has more ways on how to get involved.
11. Have government leaders recognized National Arts and Humanities Month?
    Yes. Each year The White House issues a president proclamation recognizing NAHM. The U.S. Conference of Mayors also issues an annual proclamation, as well as many states and communities throughout the country. Americans for the Arts includes these proclamations and provides a sample for your own use on the NAHM website.
12. Is there a National Arts and Humanities Month logo available?
    The NAHM logo is available from Americans for the Arts on its website. The logo is free to download. There are also Web stickers available for download.