10/02/2006
Contact:
Beth Olsen
Goodman Media for Americans for the Arts
212.576.2700 ext. 243 or bolsen@goodmanmedia.com
Americans for the Arts Encourages All Americans to Celebrate and Participate in National Arts and Humanities Month
Washington DC—October 2, 2006—Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America, invites all Americans to celebrate October as National Arts and Humanities Month (NAHM). This coast-to-coast collective celebration of culture in America has become the largest annual fête for the arts and humanities in the nation. This year, Americans for the Arts has partnered with major organizations such as the National Parent Teacher Association and the Foundation Center to spread the word on the benefits of the arts, both on an economic and social level.
Large cities and small towns across the country are hosting activities that honor the efforts of artists, historians, and cultural groups. For ways to get involved, visit the NAHM website at www.AmericansForTheArts.org/NAHM.
“The arts and humanities play an important role in our lives and the welfare of our communities,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “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.”
In addition, Americans for the Arts has partnered with a variety of organizations and corporations to recognize National Arts and Humanities Month and the importance of bringing the arts to everyone. Below is a list of these special events and partnerships:
Creative Conversations for Emerging Leaders
Throughout NAHM, Americans for the Arts' Emerging Leader Council will partner with emerging arts leaders from across the country to host Emerging Arts Leaders creative conversations, events planned to address current issues affecting the arts. Americans for the Arts then uses the feedback and ideas from these creative conversations to assist in programmatic planning for the future. Register online at www.AmericansForTheArts.org/EmergingLeaders.
Start the Art Week—October 9–13
The National Parent Teacher Association has selected NAHM to launch the first year of its new annual initiative called “Start the Art Week,” during which parents and teachers are encouraged to celebrate, advocate for, and embrace the arts. For Start the Art Week, the PTA provides teachers and parents with the tools necessary to plan a week of unique events and activities to advocate for the importance of arts in education.
National Arts Awards—presented by Americans for the Arts, October 16 in New York City
The National Arts Awards recognize artists and arts supporters who exhibit exemplary national leadership and whose work demonstrates extraordinary artistic achievement. They are organizations and individuals—artists, business leaders, patrons, and educators—who understand that the arts enrich people and communities alike.
Foundation Center’s Funding for Arts Month
In conjunction with NAHM, Americans for the Arts has partnered with the Foundation Center to promote its fifth annual Funding for Arts Month. This special initiative was created to assist and educate artists and other arts grant-seekers by providing a variety of classes.
MetLife Foundation National Arts Forum Series
Americans for the Arts' annual MetLife Foundation National Arts Forum Series kicks off as part of NAHM in late October with the first forum in New York City. In the coming year, forums will take place in 20 cities nationwide and will investigate themes related to the arts and workforce development, a topic that allows for an exploration of the central role the arts can play in creating a workforce capable of achieving corporate and citizenship objectives. Excerpts from each forum will be posted on the Web at www.AmericansForTheArts.org, and a culminating forum will take place in June at the Americans for the Arts 2007 Annual Convention in Las Vegas. Forums are produced by program partners of Arts & Business Council of Americans for the Arts, which is focused on developing private-sector support for the arts within the organization's broader mission of advancing the arts in America.
Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. With offices in Washington, DC, and New York City, it has a record of more than 45 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.
