[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 195 (Friday, October 7, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 62283-62284]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-26142]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 195 / Friday, October 7, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 62283]]


                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

[[Page 62284]]

                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.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2011-26142
Filed 10-6-11; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P