National Arts And Humanities Month, 2011

Proclamation 8723 of October 3, 2011

National Arts And Humanities Month, 2011

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Norman Rockwell's magazine covers are classic and
recognizable portrayals of American life. A longtime
advocate of tolerance, Rockwell was criticized by some
for a painting now hanging steps from the Oval Office--
The Problem We All Live With. Inspired by the story of
Ruby Bridges, this painting depicts a young girl being
escorted to her newly-integrated school by United
States Marshals. Today, the portrait remains a symbol
of our Nation's struggle for racial equality.

Like Rockwell's painting, art in all its forms often
challenges us to consider new perspectives and to
rethink how we see the world. This image still moves us
with its simple poignancy, capturing a moment in
American history that changed us forever. This is the
power of the arts and humanities--they speak to our
condition and affirm our desire for something more and
something better. Great works of literature, theater,
dance, fine art, and music reach us through a universal
language that unites us regardless of background,
gender, race, or creed.

Millions of Americans earn a living in the arts and
humanities, and the non-profit and for-profit arts
industries are important parts of both our cultural
heritage and our economy. The First Lady and I have
been proud to honor this work by displaying American
art at the White House and by hosting music, dance,
poetry, and film performances and screenings. The
President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities,
along with the National Endowment for the Arts, the
National Endowment for the Humanities, and the
Institute of Museum and Library Services continues to
recognize the skill and creativity of American artists,
historians, and philosophers while helping educate and
inspire our children through the power of the arts and
humanities.

We must recognize the contributions of the arts and
humanities not only by supporting the artists of today,
but also by giving opportunities to the creative
thinkers of tomorrow. Educators across our country are
opening young minds, fostering innovation, and
developing imaginations through arts education. Through
their work, they are empowering our Nation's students
with the ability to meet the challenges of a global
marketplace. It is a well-rounded education for our
children that will fuel our efforts to lead in a new
economy where critical and creative thinking will be
the keys to success.

Today, the arts and humanities continue to break social
and political barriers. Throughout our history,
American hopes and aspirations have been captured in
the arts, from the songs of enslaved Americans yearning
for freedom to the films that grace our screens today.
This month, we celebrate the enlightenment and insight
we have gained from the arts and humanities, and we
recommit to supporting expression that challenges our
assumptions, sparks our curiosity, and continues to
drive us toward a more perfect union.

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 2011 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 the
humanities in America.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
third day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.