[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8430--OCT. 2, 2009

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

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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.
BARACK OBAMA