Did you know October is National Arts and Humanities Month? This month, the Americans For the Arts organization is conducting a month-long campaign to raise awareness about the importance of the arts in our society. We thought this would be a good time to share some of the tips they have written about on their website. See the article below or go here for the original post.

Tips and ideas for celebrating locally!

So you want to celebrate, but aren't sure where to start? Need ideas or tips on getting your community involved? Find guidance and tools, from event ideas to promotional tools and resources, to spark your imagination and get the word out.

WAYS TO ENGAGE

Join our 31-day Instagram challenge and encourage others to join, too! Find our daily themes and post along with us all month long using #ShowYourArt2020.
Ask for a local government proclamation. Your mayor, city council, even your governor can officially declare National Arts & Humanities Month—and our sample proclamation (Word document download) will make it easy. Read our one-page How-to Guide (PDF download) for help making the ask to your local government.
Get the word out to the media, even if you’ve never spoken to the press before! Read our tips on working with the media (PDF download) to garner attention for virtual events in your community. Download our press release template (Word document download) and customize it for where you live. Or, get advice on how to write an op-ed or letter to the editor (PDF download) for your local paper.
Tell the world how the #ArtsCreateHope for you. This year, as we struggle with the pandemic and fight harder for racial equity, the arts are there to support us. During National Arts & Humanities Month, share your story on social media of the arts creating hope in your life using #ArtsCreateHope and #NAHM.

MORE WAYS TO CELEBRATE

Pledge to Make Your Vote Count during National Arts & Humanities Month and sign up for the Arts Action Fund’s ArtsVote 2020 campaign. Many state deadlines for voter registration and mail-in ballots are in October, so it’s the perfect time to ensure your vote will count in the November election!
Make a short video about how the arts create hope for you and share it on social media using #ArtsCreateHope and #NAHM (don’t forget to tag @americans4arts too!).
If arts events are happening safely where you live, go with your family or a friend (don’t forget your masks!) to an outdoor sculpture garden, a drive-in movie or play, or a socially distant dance performance.
Are museums, theaters, or concert venues in your area temporarily closed due to the pandemic? Consider making a donation or buying gift cards to use when they reopen, to help support them financially now.
Try something new and take a class in creative writing, dance, painting, or whatever strikes your fancy. Search the internet for virtual arts classes—there are many being offered online right now!
Enjoy the arts virtually, on your own, or with people you love. Play with clay, draw, and make music with your kids at home. Watch a documentary on a favorite artist or visit a digital exhibition online. Sing, dance, read a book, or “paint and sip” with friends—lots of arts activities are easy to do “together” over virtual platforms like Zoom, Facebook watch parties, and other party apps!
Write to your local elected officials, letting them how important arts and arts education funding is to you, your family and your community. Use our Arts Action Center to easily find your representatives and send them a message.

PROMOTING YOUR NATIONAL ARTS AND HUMANITIES MONTH EVENT

Arts and culture are a vital part of every community. At a time when the arts sector is being devastated by the effects of COVID-19, National Arts & Humanities Month is a perfect moment to show support for the arts in YOUR community with a virtual or safe, socially distant cultural event. Once you’ve planned an event, the next step is to reach out to the community. Here are some ways to encourage friends, neighbors, colleagues, and community members to take part in the arts this October!

Send a press release/media alert to your local news outlets. Use our sample press release to get started.
Advertise on a local event website or add to a calendar of events in your local newspaper or newsletter.
Arrange for emails and fliers about National Arts & Humanities Month to be sent to your local community through Chamber of Commerce or Community organizers. Include information about local artists and events.
Write an op-ed piece, letter to the editor, or editorial for your local newspaper.
Get artists involved by asking them to reach out to their networks personally or via social media. They can also design posters, bumper stickers, and buttons to promote National Arts & Humanities Month in community gathering spots and on social media (be sure to give the artist proper credit!). You are free to use the National Arts and Humanities Month logo on your materials—download a hi-res JPG or a lo-res JPG of the full logo, or a hi-res JPG of the NAHM star.
Showcase your event on social media and share with your community. Send reminder emails to friends and co-workers, and ask your network to share your posts.
Have some fun and think of your own creative ways to spark interest!