National Arts and Humanities Month, 2009

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8430 of October 2, 2009

National Arts and Humanities Month, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

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.