Americans for the Arts today announced its October celebration of National Arts & Humanities Month (NAHM), a time for communities to come together to celebrate the power of the arts and humanities in promoting individual wellbeing, addressing trauma, connecting cultures, highlighting inequities, and making the nation’s communities healthier and stronger.

Nolen V. Bivens, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts, commented, “Whether you watch or listen or do it yourself, the arts allow us to explore ideas, express emotions, and better appreciate other cultures. National Arts & Humanities Month is an opportunity to enjoy a little more art for yourself and to recognize and celebrate its positive impact. I hope that everyone will take part to celebrate and recognize the creative and cultural value of the arts and humanities in our communities.”

Americans for the Arts is pleased to collaborate with musician India Carney as its 2022 Ambassador for NAHM. Carney will use her platform throughout the month of October to advocate for artists and share her love of culture and her journey to becoming a professional musician.

A 31-day #ShowYourArt2022 Instagram challenge is designed to engage the public in celebrating the power and diversity of the arts in communities across the nation. Thirty-one unique themes for each day hope to inspire individuals and organizations to express themselves and be as inclusive of the entire community as possible—to consider artists and art they love that may be from traditionally underrepresented communities. Select images will be shared on Americans for the Arts’ Instagram throughout the month.

For the first time, Americans for the Arts is hosting a NAHM poster design competition, which will announce its winners on October 3. The theme is “Championing the Creative Spirit” and all entries are displayed on Americans for the Arts’ website. Following a judging panel and an audience vote, the artists who created the designs with the three highest vote totals will receive cash prizes, and the design with the most votes will be featured throughout NAHM.

NAHM launched by Americans for the Arts 36 years ago as National Arts Week in honor of the 20th anniversary of the National Endowment for the Arts. The celebration was recast and reestablished in 1993 by Americans for the Arts and national arts and humanities partners as a month-long celebration.

Americans for the Arts is a national nonprofit organization that advances the arts and arts education advocacy in America. Based in Washington, D.C., it has a record of more than 60 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for everyone to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.

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