Outgoing Gov. Jack Dalrymple declared on Oct. 6 that October is officially Arts and Humanities Month in North Dakota, recognizing the importance of interests and the education in topics such as visual arts, theater arts, communication, language studies and more.

The proclamation issued by the governor’s office stated, “The arts and humanities enhance and enrich the lives of all citizens … North Dakotans are encouraged to participate in arts and humanities activities and celebrate the cultural and historical riches of our state.”

There are two main statewide organizations that provide arts and humanities opportunities within the state: North Dakota Humanities Council and the North Dakota Council on the Arts. These two organizations are devoted to recognizing the impact arts and humanities has, while strengthening education about these topics within the state.

These two organizations appreciate taking the time to appreciate the arts, both nationally and statewide. They work closely together to promote their individual interests and having a special month allows an opportunity to spread their agenda of statewide arts and humanities recognition.

This recognition is also exciting for many students constantly surrounded by praise for the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

A current NDSU student studying art, Kenzie Alexander is excited by the governor’s decision.

“It’s really awesome that the governor is showing he finds the arts and humanities important,” Alexander said. “Being involved in these kinds of fields, it’s really easy to feel under appreciated and underfunded, so this feels pretty good. It would be really cool if the arts and humanities got recognition for the strides made in education and opportunities.”

October is already National Arts and Humanities Month, but this recent announcement adds an extra recognition for education and opportunities within the arts and humanities field in North Dakota.