California Arts Day
California Arts Day was created by the California Arts Council and established by Proclamation of the Governor. It takes place on the first Friday of October during National Arts & Humanities Month.
Arts Day began not only as a celebration of creativity; in its first year it was part of the healing process after the September 11, 2001 attacks and served as an opportunity for Californians to re-connect with their communities.
The purpose of Arts Day is to demonstrate the role and value of arts and culture throughout California. The California Arts Council has encouraged the celebration of Arts Day by working to make this a commonly recognized annual celebration using two messages:
- The arts are important - economically, socially, and educationally.
- The arts are everywhere.
Arts Day has been celebrated in many ways during the last several years—from music festivals, free museum admissions and free nights at performing arts venues, to arts advocacy rallies, advertisements, contests and newspaper columns. It is an opportunity for Californians to appreciate and experience the power and influence of the arts in all aspects of our lives—building communities, bridging cultures and celebrating diversity.