National Arts & Humanities Month in October encourages everyone to appreciate art and explore the diverse cultures around us. It is the largest celebration of arts and culture in the U.S., and we urge everyone to reflect on how art enriches our lives. From music to literature, paintings to photography, as John Keating said in the movie “Dead Poets Society,” “Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”
History of National Arts & Humanities Month
Every October, organizations, and communities across the country celebrate National Arts & Humanities Month. Hosted by the Americans for the Arts, the celebration evolved from National Arts Week, started in 1985 by the National Endowment for the Arts and Americans for the Arts. In 1993, the week-long celebration grew into a month-long one, and why not? Art is such a vast domain a week wasn’t enough to enjoy and celebrate it properly.
Artists, enthusiasts, performers, entertainers, and newbies explore new dimensions of the arts and humanities surrounding them and appreciate and incorporate art into their lives. As the country’s largest celebration of the arts, the four goals of National Arts and Humanities Month are to create a national, state, and local focus on the arts and humanities through the media, to encourage individuals, artists, humanities, and other organizations nationwide, to provide an opportunity for federal, state, and local business, government, and civic leaders to declare their support for the arts and humanities, and to establish a vehicle for raising public awareness about the arts and humanities.
National Arts & Humanities Month timeline
Human culture explores art, music, architecture, literature, religion, and philosophy.
The National Endowment for the Arts and Americans for the Arts starts National Arts Week.
National Arts & Humanities Month is established.
On October 9, spontaneous acts of culture ‘pop-up’ throughout the Plaza of the Americas in Dallas.
National Arts & Humanities Month FAQs
What month is National Arts & Humanities Month?
National Arts & Humanities Month in October encourages everyone to appreciate art and explore rich cultures around us.
When is National Arts Month?
The annual celebration of National Arts Month is in February.
Is there an American Artist Appreciation Month?
American Artist Appreciation Month celebrates the great talent born and fostered in the U.S in August.
National Arts & Humanities Month Activities
Host an event
If you regularly indulge in your artistic side, exhibit your work at an open studio, or take it online for the world to see. It can be anything — creating jewelry, designing clothes, custom painting shoes, and more.
Attend a concert
Whether or not you are a connoisseur of art, everybody enjoys music! Head to a local music concert and use it to express yourself! That’s art too!
Learn about arts
The average person who doesn’t study art misses out. Learn about the stunning artwork created by geniuses throughout history. If classical art is not your thing, explore the work of modern artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and even Banksy!
5 Facts About The Influence Of Art
90% of people agree
Many people agree art should be taught in elementary, middle, and high school.
The academic benefits are undeniable
Students pursuing arts have overall higher G.P.A.s and better-standardized test scores.
The arts have a social impact
The University of Pennsylvania discovered that communities with a rich arts life were stronger and had better social and civic engagement.
Employers look for artistic skills
The World Economic Forum reported that creativity is becoming the most sought-after skill.
Art helps our mental health
Art is food for the soul, nourishing it and giving it meaning.
Why We Love National Arts & Humanities Month
Art liberates us
A common misconception is that art is synonymous with artwork (paintings, drawings e.t.c.), but art is anything that allows us to be expressive. It is all around us, the little bits of creativity that we find ourselves doing, to large scale movements, art liberates us, and we love it!
Art has a massive impact
There is an art to everything; conversation, war, cooking, dressing. One has to broaden their perspective and learn to see the beauty in everything. And how do we do that? Through art.
Art throughout history
The works of revolutionary artists throughout history are in the spotlight throughout this month, and we love it!
National Arts & Humanities Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 1 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | October 1 | Thursday |
| 2027 | October 1 | Friday |
| 2028 | October 1 | Sunday |
| 2029 | October 1 | Monday |
