Led by Americans for the Arts — the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education — October is celebrated as National Arts & Humanities Month across the country.

Here are 10 reasons to celebrate in 2024, according to the nonprofit:

1. Arts strengthen the economy.
2. Arts drive revenue to local business.
3. Arts unify communities.
4. Arts strengthen mental health and wellbeing.
5. Arts and culture drive tourism.
6. Arts improve academic performance.
7. Arts spark creativity and innovation.
8. Arts have social impact.
9. Arts improve healthcare.
10. Arts are important for the health and wellbeing of our military.

A collective recognition of the importance of culture in America, according to the website, the objectives of the month-long celebration include focusing on access to the arts at the local, state, and national levels; increasing and supporting individual, organizational, and diverse community participation in the arts; and raising awareness about the positive impacts of the arts and humanities in our communities and our lives.

This year’s theme is “The arts within you.”

The arts can help people cope with our ever-changing world in several ways, says the website, including:

Creativity and Expression: Artistic activities such as painting, writing, or music offer a way to express emotions and thoughts, allowing you to process and make sense of the changes around you.

Therapeutic Benefits: Art can reduce stress and anxiety levels and promote mental well-being during challenging times.

Connection and Reflection: The arts can evoke emotions and foster connections with others. Engaging with the arts provides comfort, inspiration, and a sense of belonging in a constantly evolving world.

Perspective and Empathy: Diverse art forms broaden perspectives and cultivate empathy by helping you understand different viewpoints and experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of our changing world.

Resilience: Engaging with art builds resilience by fostering adaptability, creativity, and a sense of hope. It enables you to navigate uncertainty and find strength in the face of challenges.

The nonprofit believes that more art leads to healthier communities.

Mebane Rash

Mebane Rash is the CEO and editor-in-chief of EducationNC.