On Sept. 28, Morris County issued a proclamation urging citizens to “explore new facets of the arts and humanities in their lives, and to begin a lifelong participation in the arts.”

The proclamation notes that the “arts and humanities embody much of the accumulated wisdom, intellect and imagination of humankind and allow us to explore ideas, express emotions and better appreciate cultures from around the world” adding “beauty and balance to our lives” and “contribute to a strong and healthy economic climate by stimulating economic activity and creating jobs.” 

Kathryn A. DeFillippo, director of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, announced that October 2016 would be Arts and Humanities Month in Morris County, “to raise public awareness and of the many fine arts and cultural organizations that call Morris County home, and I ask all county residents to promote, support, and participate in the arts and cultural opportunities that Morris County has to offer.”

The proclamation further recognizes Morris Arts’s efforts toward that goal “by developing, supporting and advocating on behalf of artists, arts organizations, and arts experiences through various programming throughout the year.

Representatives from Morris County’s arts and cultural community gathered in support of the proclamation which also coordinates with National Arts and Humanities Month, a coast-to-coast collective celebration of culture in America organized every October by the national organization, Americans for the Arts, and comprising the largest annual celebration of the arts and humanities in the nation. From arts open houses to governmental proclamations, curtain speeches and special events, communities across the United States join together this month to recognize and celebrate the importance of the arts and culture.

During October, Morris Arts will be featuring the numerous cultural and arts events in Morris County on its website cultural calendar at www.morrisarts.org. Additionally, Morris Arts has made the proclamation available for arts and cultural organizations to read or post in order to highlight the month and educate patrons about the arts in our communities. 
Morris Arts, located in Morristown, is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1973 dedicated to building community through the arts.