09/29/2008
Contact:
Beth Garcia
Goodman Media for Americans for the Arts
212.576.2700 ext. 242 or bgarcia@goodmanmedia.com
Celebrate the Arts this October during National Arts and Humanities Month
Washington, DC — September 30, 2008 — 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 of the arts and humanities in the nation. Large cities to small towns across the country are hosting activities in honor of artists, historians, and cultural groups and invite everyone in the community to participate and experience the arts. For a complete list of events visit: www.AmericansForTheArts.org/NAHM.
"The arts and humanities play an important role in our lives and the vitality 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. And National Arts and Humanities Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the positive impact the arts bring to our schools and communities."
Americans for the Arts, arts leaders and organizations nationwide are celebrating NAHM. Following is a list of select events:
GO ARTS Month ~ Georgia Open Arts Month
More than 100 arts and cultural organizations featuring theater, dance, music, visual art and more are uniting during the month of October for Georgia's largest celebration of the arts, the 3rd Annual GO ARTS Month ~ Georgia Open Arts Month. This 31-day extravaganza offers special opportunities for tens of thousands Georgians to experience the state's vibrant arts scene at discounts of 50 percent or more, with many activities completely free of charge. This year's GO ARTS includes the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the AtlanTIX half-price ticket service, Open Arts Day at Underground Atlanta, national Free Night of Theater, and the Georgia Arts & Entertainment Legacy Awards (GAELAs). For complete information, please visit www.GoArtsMonth.org.
Ohio Arts Council
The Ohio Arts Council is encouraging Ohio's citizens to take part in the arts during National Arts and Humanities Month. Many organizations are offering discounts on tickets throughout the month of October or have selected a special event to celebrate NAHM. Those interested in taking advantage of these special offers can visit ArtsinOhio.com and click on the special NAHM logo to see a list of activities taking place in October.
ARTStoberFEST2008
Join Rochester, MN, in supporting the arts and humanities by participating in one or more of the exciting events on the ARTStoberFEST calendar. Events include concerts, theatrical performances, classes and workshops, discussion groups, visual art displays and demonstrations. For more information, visit http://www.artstoberfest.com/.
Get Your Art On — October 16 -- November 2
GET YOUR ART ON is a city-wide celebration of art, culture and creativity in Austin, TX. It is hosted by Austin Circle of Theaters, together with the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division. Beginning with Austin Circle of Theaters' Free Night of Theatre (October 16), The 15th Annual Austin Film Festival (October 16-October 23) and Austin Museum of Art's La Dolce Vita event (October 16) and concluding with the Texas Book Festival (November 1-2), GET YOUR ART ON has something for everyone. For more information, visit http://www.nowplayingaustin.com/.
California Arts Day -- Friday, October 3
California Arts Council celebrates the 8th Annual California Arts Day by encouraging Californians to explore what's offered by local arts organizations and to demonstrate the role and value of arts and culture in the state. Exciting concerts, free museum exhibitions, and weekend arts festivals are being held from Sacramento to San Diego. For more information, visit http://www.cac.ca.gov/artsday/artsday2008.php.
Chicago Humanities Festival -- October 3 -- November 16
The 19th annual Chicago Humanities Festival, held October 3 -- November 16, is "Thinking Big." Through the disciplines of visual art, literature, music, film, and more, the Festival will explore the sweep and shape of big ideas from across cultures and throughout history. "Thinking Big" features 120 programs showcased in 25 venues throughout downtown Chicago and select neighborhoods. Tickets for many of the programs are $5, with students and educators admitted free. Tickets can be ordered by phone, (312) 494-9509 or via the Chicago Humanities Festival website, www.chfestival.org.
National Arts Awards -- presented by Americans for the Arts October 6 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. This year's National Arts Awards winners are: Dame Julie Andrews, Joan W. Harris, Yoko Ono, Phil Ramone, Kehinde Wiley and J. Barry Griswell of The Principal Financial Group.
Creative Conversations for Emerging Leaders
During NAHM, the 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. Following is a list of Creative Conversations happening this October:
o Silver Spring, MD: Expanding Your Reach: Diversifying Your Network as an Emerging Arts Professional, a discussion and networking event hosted by the Pyramid Atlantic Art Center on October 15;
o Greenville, NC: Addressing Images of Diversity in the Arts, Film and Media, an all-day conference hosted by East Carolina University College of Fine Arts & Communication on October 17; and
o New York, NY: Your Vote & The Arts, a networking event for arts advocates on October 21 and one of five conversations organized by Emerging Leaders of New York Arts, a program of the Arts & Business Council of New York.
Visit: http://www.americansforthearts.org/networks/emerging_leaders/events/creative_conversations/default.asp for more information.
Americans for the Arts encourages arts supporters to become fans of NAHM on Facebook, where one can view videos and photos from NAHM events around the country or post their own. Supporters can also view Twitter for the latest NAHM news. Visit www.AmericansForTheArts.org/NAHM to become a fan and to access a map and other support materials to help communities develop their own activities in support of NAHM.
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 48 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.
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