UF community urged to celebrate arts, humanities this month

October 3, 2014

GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- Several University of Florida colleges and organizations have partnered to celebrate National Arts & Humanities Month on campus.

The College of the Arts, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Florida Museum of Natural History, Harn Museum of Art and UF Performing Arts are encouraging students and members of the community to attend their various events, which range from art exhibitions to theatre productions to photography workshops.  

“At UF, the arts are a pillar of our university, fundamental to our teaching and scholarship missions and our outreach to the community and state,” said Joe Glover, UF provost and senior vice president of academic affairs. “We couldn’t be more pleased to be a part of the celebration of National Arts & Humanities Month, and we welcome everyone to join us at the many events planned for the weeks ahead.”

This year’s partners have also organized a special event, Pop-Up Culture, which will take place at select locations throughout UF between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Oct. 15. From clay throwing to dancing and from painting to debating, student groups and classes will hold various moments of culture all aimed to increase awareness, appreciation and excitement for the arts and humanities at UF. Students and members of the community can experience Pop-Up Culture moments at the Plaza of the Americas, Fine Arts Complex and Southwest Recreation Center. 

“National Arts & Humanities Month is unique because it spans the United States, bringing focus on the contributions of the arts and humanities to American culture,” said Lucinda Lavelli, dean of the College of the Arts. “What an exhilarating feeling is generated when you think about all of the participants — students, performers and audience members — and all the organizations represented, including dance, theatre and opera companies; museums and galleries, orchestras and much more. The scope and scale of the activities this month remind us how the arts and humanities are woven into our daily lives, from the pictures on our walls to the special events we attend on the weekends.”

Dave Richardson, interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, said it is a fitting tribute to the human spirit that we celebrate the arts and humanities, reflecting on the cultural creativity of people and societies.

“It is the expression of this creativity that allows us to write novels and laws, depict both great sorrows and joy in painting and film, and change history through the spoken word,” said Richardson. “In essence, the arts and humanities address the very core of what it means to be a person.”

To learn more about National Arts & Humanities Month and to see how communities across the U.S. are celebrating, visit www.americansforthearts.org/events/national-arts-and-humanities-month. To learn more about UF’s Pop-Up Culture event visit www.arts.ufl.edu.