National Arts and Humanities Month, 2024

Proclamation 10821 of September 30, 2024 National Arts and Humanities Month, 2024 A Proclamation The arts and humanities bring people together and show us that we have more in common than we have differences—helping us see each other, understand one another, and unite in common cause. Our artists and scholars embody the very spirit of America: the drive to create and connect, the pursuit of excellence, and the boldness to be truthtellers and change seekers. During National Arts and Humanities Month, we celebrate the artists and scholars who lift us up, speak to our souls, and shape who we are as a Nation. We are a great Nation, largely because of the power of the arts and humanities, which is stamped into the DNA of America. My Administration is committed to continuing the longstanding tradition of supporting the arts and humanities—including promoting freedom of expression as a part of a healthy democracy—and has worked to ensure people across the Nation have access to the connection and economic opportunities they provide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when local venues like theaters and concert halls were struggling to stay open, we offered a lifeline of over $1 billion in funding. In 2022, I also signed an Executive Order to advance the cultural vitality of our country and ensure that access to the arts and humanities is within reach of every American. That included re-establishing the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) and appointing the First Lady as an honorary chair and Lady Gaga and Bruce Cohen as co-chairs. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) recently celebrated the 10 recipients of the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, our Nation's highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) also launched ArtsHere, a $10 million grant pilot program expected to announce nearly 100 awards for pro…