[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 194 (Thursday, October 8, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 51733-51734]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-24409]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 194 / Thursday, October 8, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 51733]]

                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

[[Page 51734]]

                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.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-24409
Filed 10-7-09; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P