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National Arts and Humanities Month, 2009
Throughout our Nation’s history, the power of the arts and humanities to move people
has built bridges and enriched lives, bringing individuals and communities together
through the resonance of creative expression. It is the painter, the author, the musician,
and the historian whose work inspires us to action, drives us to contemplation, stirs joy
in our hearts, and calls upon us to consider our world anew. The arts and humanities
contribute to the vibrancy of our society and the strength of our democracy, and during
National Arts and Humanities Month, we recommit ourselves to ensuring all Americans
can access and enjoy them.
Our Nation’s cultural assets tell the story of America’s diversity and reveal our common
humanity. Countless American artists develop unique styles by infusing their work with
cultural elements from across the country and the world, and in turn, have an impact
on the global arts community. Through history and philosophy, we learn the heritage of
fellow Americans and appreciate the arc of their narrative as an integral part of our own.
Cultural exchanges, collaborative projects, and continuing education programs help us to
share and preserve a mosaic of rich traditions and provide future generations with opportunities
for artistic expression.
The arts and humanities also bring our economy untold benefits. Millions of Americans
take part in the non-profit and for-profit arts industries. Cultural and arts activities not
only contribute tens of billions of dollars to our economy, but also inspire innovation.
In neighborhoods and communities across the Nation, the arts and humanities lie at the
center of revitalization, inspiring creativity, ideas, and new hope in areas that have gone
too long without it.
Every American deserves an opportunity to study, understand, and contribute to the
arts and humanities. This must begin in our schools, where children may have their first
and most important exposure to these disciplines. Working on their own masterpieces
and finding inspiration in the work of others, young people are opened to new means
of expression that sharpen their creative faculties. An education in music, dance, drama,
design, and fine art reinforces skills in fields like math and science, and it can help students
reach their full potential. In an ever-changing world, we must prepare our students
with the knowledge, creative skills, and an ability to innovate so they can compete and
succeed on a global stage.
As a people, we have an unlimited capacity for self- expression and personal interpretation.
While we may not always agree with what we see or hear, it is our open-mindedness
that commends the artistic struggle behind the creation and our curiosity that pursues
its vision. This month, we honor this artistic spirit that lives and breathes within every
American. Creativity and a thirst for understanding are the fuel that has fed our Nation’s
success for centuries, and they will continue to be well into our future.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by
virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States,
do hereby proclaim October 2009 as National Arts and Humanities Month. I call upon
the people of the United States to join together in observing this month with appropriate
ceremonies, activities, and programs to celebrate the arts and humanities in America.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of October, in
the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA
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