If there was ever a time when the humanities were desperately needed, it's now. Between the violence, conflict, and human suffering happening around the world in Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, Somalia, and right here at home, practices in the arts and humanities provide a proven path to understanding and combating the dehumanization that can all too easily arise between enemies.
That means it is a good time to focus on National Arts & Humanities Month (NAHM)—a collective recognition of the importance of culture in America. NAHM was launched by Americans for the Arts more than 30 years ago as National Arts Week in honor of the twentieth anniversary of the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities. In 1993, it was reestablished by Americans for the Arts and national arts partners as a month-long celebration. Click here to learn how to get involved and help promote the crucial role of the arts and humanities in promoting individual well-being, addressing trauma, connecting cultures, highlighting inequities, and making our communities healthier and stronger.
One way to engage and grow personally is to participate in Maryland Humanities One Maryland One Book (OMOB). The selection is There, There by Cheyenne and Arapaho author Tommy Orange. FREE copies of There, There are available at branches of the Enoch Pratt Free Library on a first come, first served basis as sponsored by Maryland Humanities. Click here for more information.
Speaking of sharing and communicating, it's always inspiring to see the unique ways our members come together and collaborate. On Saturday, October 28 at 8:00 pm, Ballet Theatre of Maryland and Full Circle Dance Company will come together for one night only to perform We Walk in Moonlight: A Collaboration of Movement, Myth, and Mystery. During this mixed repertory performance, members of both companies will share the stage at the Gordon Center for the world premiere of a new work by Travis D. Gatling entitled En.tranced. This unique partnership will bring dancers who perform very different types of movement together for a truly special performance. To purchase tickets to this amazing event, visit gordoncenter.com.
