In today’s post (made available to all), I share a worthwhile initiative on promoting and advocating for the arts. Although this initiative focuses here in California, the concept is repeated in many states around the country and many places around the world. I encourage you to take a moment and see what’s going on here and then look into what’s happening in your area. The arts are for everyone, and our lives are better for it. So let’s stand up for creativity and for those who create. ~JRC
In 2019, the California legislature passed a resolution recognizing April as Arts, Culture & Creativity Month (ACCM). Spearheaded by Californians for the Arts (CFTA), the resolution raises visibility and awareness about art and art workers' value, empowers arts advocates to take action, and spurs investment in the art industry and workforce.
This year's theme is "The Arts Work" - a campaign illustrating how the arts heal, build community, advance justice, empower youth, and create jobs.
All this month, CFTA hosts weekly thematic webinars that are open to the public. According to the website, "the Arts Work Webinar Series takes a deeper dive into how artists, arts workers and culture bearers work to create vital social impacts and what the creative workforce needs to succeed and thrive." Topics covered over the five Fridays in April include Empower & Engage Youth (April 1st), Build Community Prosperity & Resilience (April 8th), Advance Social Justice & Equality (April 15th), Create Jobs (April 22nd), and Heal (April 29th). The webinars are free and can be accessed here.
While a California-focused initiative, CFTA’s resources are available to anyone supporting and promoting the arts in their community. So do have a look. And think about how the arts affect your life and those around you.
It’s a creative world out there, full of beauty and good.
Until next time.
JRC
"The life of the arts, far from being an interruption, a distraction, in the life of a nation, is very close to the center of a nation's purpose...and is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization."
John F. Kennedy 1962