How to Celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month
Features
Illinois Humanities
Read Time 4 minutes
October 12, 2023
During each month of the year, week after week, you can find insightful and innovative humanities programs happening in Illinois. But October is something special: National Arts and Humanities Month is an opportunity to hold a light up to the transformative moments made possible through the humanities, and to the individuals and organizations who ignite this power for communities across our state.
This, after all, is our year-round mission. A celebration we gather for each time we read together, share dialogue, ask big questions, and gain insight into our history, our present, and our future.
Whether you are curious to be acquainted with humanities organizations in your area, attend an event, or read more about what we mean when we say “humanities,” here is a collection of programs and stories to spark your own celebration, one we hope will remain lively all year round.
Read A letter from Executive Director Gabrielle Lyon
Reports of the Death of the Humanities are Greatly Exaggerated... You'll Know Them When You See Them
"I keep seeing articles about the erosion of the Humanities in the academic sphere. Maybe you have, too. But in the public sphere the humanities aren’t only alive and well, they’re accomplishing feats unlike any other effort: they are the thing equipping us to be able to be a diverse, complex society."
Attend an event by one of our partners
Lit & Luz Festival: A Celebration of Language, Literature, and Art
October 13 - 21
The upcoming Lit & Luz Festival, “TEN,” celebrates ten years of remarkable programming by grantee partner MAKE Literary Productions. Lit & Luz presents more than a dozen bilingual programs throughout Chicago from Oct. 13 - 21.
This year’s festival kicks off on October 13th with REECOUNTERS/REENCUENTROS, an exhibition of work from Lit & Luz Collaboration Cohort artists from the past decade at Chicago Art Department and closes on October 21st with the Live Magazine Show at Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.
Attend the opening of
Spark! Places of Innovation in Rushville
October 22, 2:00 p.m.
Rushville has a long history of innovation beginning with the Scripps Family's contributions to journalism that started with The Prairie Telegraph, still operating as The Rushville Times, to their support of the arts in Schuyler County. The Hub Arts and Cultural Center has become the model for collaborations among art institutions and artists in the region. Experience how innovation and the arts have shaped the community by visiting Spark!, the latest Smithsonian exhibition to travel Illinois, when it opens on Oct. 22 at The HUB with a reception at 2:00 p.m.
Join a book group
The NEA Big Read: Reconsidering the American Dream
Fall 2023 - Spring 2024
This year’s statewide book group series, The NEA Big Read: Reconsidering the American Dream, is a great opportunity to connect with others in your community. Free book groups and events will be centered around two books: Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth by Sarah Smarsh, and Infinite Country by Patricia Engel. There are numerous book groups open across the state – find one near you, and get reading!
ATTEND A ROAD SCHOLAR EVENT NEAR YOU
The Black Chicago Renaissance
October 19, 6:30 p.m., Deerfield, IL
Road Scholar speaker Dr. Amira Davis will visit the Deerfield Public Library for a live presentation of "The Black Chicago Renaissance." Dr. Davis takes guests on a journey through through the Chicago Black Renaissance from the early- to mid-20th century. The presentation includes a Q&A and an interactive component where audience members can share their own migration stories.
About Illinois Humanities
Illinois Humanities is a statewide nonprofit organization that activates the humanities through free public programs, grants, and educational opportunities that spark conversation, foster reflection, build community, and strengthen civic engagement for everyone in Illinois.Founded in 1974, we are the state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities and supported by state, federal, and private funds. Stay connected with us by subscribing to the Illinois Humanities newsletter and following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn @ILHumanities.
Contact
Suite 650, 125 South Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60603
312.422.5580 312.374.6787
600 Troy Road
N4, Room 207
Edwardsville, IL 62025
618.468.5580
Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Illinois General Assembly [through the Illinois Arts Council], as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
Illinois Humanities respects the privacy of its audiences and will at no time sell or distribute personal information to any party not directly affiliated with Illinois Humanities and its programs.
Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed by speakers, program participants, or audiences do not necessarily reflect those of the NEH, Illinois Humanities, our partnering organizations, or our funders.
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