UF Celebrates National Arts and Humanities Month

Go Gators!

Every day the University of Florida offers diverse opportunities to explore and experience humanities and the arts. These opportunities are made possible through our academic units, such as the College of Fine Arts, as well as the partners located at UF's Cultural Plaza, the Center for Humanities in the Public Sphere, student activities from the J. Wayne Reitz Union, and over 400 student organizations on campus, our permanent art collections in museums, public buildings and outdoor spaces, and a plethora of special events: concerts, productions, exhibitions, events, contests and activities.

October is the month designated by Americans for the Arts as National Arts and Humanities Month—the largest annual celebration for the arts and humanities in the nation! While every day at UF is a celebration of the arts, we are pleased to participate in this special month. Our special events for October include a kick-off on Monday, October 3 with an opportunities fair at the Reitz Union and a 12-hour "Random Acts of Culture" marathon across campus. For the first time in University of Florida history, the College of Fine Arts is partnering with Florida Blue Key and UF Homecoming to present "Swamp Symphony" on October 27. This free outdoor concert at UF's Flavet Field will feature the UF Symphony Orchestra and various Fine Arts ensembles in a celebration of UF's artistic traditions (e.g., songs we all know) and some unexpected surprises. Art Bash, the School of Art + Art History's interactive open house event which has grown in size and popularity in recent years, is also moving to the celebratory month, now to be held on Friday, October 28th.

National Arts and Humanities Month (NAHM) is a coast-to-coast collective recognition of the importance of culture in America. It is designed to encourage all Americans to explore new facets of the arts and humanities in their lives, and to begin a lifelong habit of active participation in the arts and humanities. By joining in this national celebration and initiative, we echo the importance of the arts and humanities on our campus community. We remain committed to providing cultural opportunities for our students across all disciplines. We celebrate our belief that creativity and innovation are nurtured by the artistic environment through collaboration, participation and education.

If you would like to get involved, I invite you to join the celebration by completing the online-registration, share your event with us, and/or join us on Facebook. We look forward to sharing National Arts and Humanites month with you.

Lucinda Lavelli, Dean
College of Fine Arts
University of Florida