El Paso County proudly encourages participation in the arts as well as provides venues for the public display of creative projects. The Board of El Paso County Commissioners at its regular meeting on Thursday unanimously approved a Proclamation recognizing October as Arts Month.
“The arts and humanities enhance and enrich the lives of every American, playing a unique role in the lives of our families, our communities, and our country,” said Commissioner Stan VanderWerf as he read the Proclamation into the record. “The focus of Arts Month is to encourage citizens to explore new facets of the arts and humanities in their lives, and to initiate lifelong habits of regular participation in the arts and humanities.”
The month of October has been officially recognized as National Arts and Humanities Month by thousands of arts and cultural organizations, communities, and states across the country, as well as by the White House and Congress for more than two decades.
“Arts and culture are critical components to creating the climate for economic vitality,” said Andy Vick, Executive Director of the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region. The local impact of the nonprofit arts industry is significant, generating $153.3 million in economic activity and supporting the full-time equivalent of 5,070 jobs.
“We have a creative community,” said Commissioner VanderWerf. “Art brings innovation to our region.”
The nonprofit arts industry strengthens the national economy by generating $166.3 billion annually in total economic activity and by supporting the full-time equivalent of 4.6 million jobs.
“Art is very important to Colorado Springs and El Paso County,” said Commissioner Longinos Gonzalez, Jr.
For more information on Arts Month, visit the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region (COPPeR) online.