National Arts and Humanities Month 2021
Published on October 20, 2021
NATIONAL ARTS AND HUMANITIES MONTH
WHEREAS, the coronavirus has had a devastating impact on America’s arts sector, with 99% of producing and presenting organizations having canceled events and artists being among the most severely affected segment of the nation’s workforce; yet notwithstanding this fact, the arts have helped collectively lead us throughout the darkest times of the pandemic—lifting our spirits, unifying communities, and jump-starting the economy; and
Whereas, the arts and humanities embody much of the accumulated wisdom, intellect, and imagination of humankind; and
Whereas, the arts and humanities enhance and enrich the lives of every American and play a unique role in the lives of our families, our communities and our country; and
Whereas, the nonprofit arts industry alone generates $166.3 billion in economic activity annually—spending by organizations and their audiences—which supports 4.6 million jobs and generates $27.5 billion in government revenue; and
WHEREAS, every attendee to an arts event spends $31.47 per person, per event, beyond the cost of admission on items such as meals, parking, and lodging—a vital income source for local businesses.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Joseph C. Winfield, Mayor of Oro Valley, do hereby proclaim October as
National Arts and Humanities Month
in Oro Valley and call upon our community members to celebrate and promote the arts and culture in our nation and to specifically encourage the greater participation by those said community members in taking action for the arts and humanities in their towns and cities.
Dated this 20th day of October, 2021