Advocate for the Humanities
“The arts and the humanities belong to all the people of the United States.”
In 1965, when President Johnson signed into law the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act, He boldly declared that it is the role of the humanities to "reflect the nation's rich cultural heritage and [to foster] mutual respect for the diverse beliefs and values of all persons and groups." Established by Congress, Nevada Humanities, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is Nevada's proud affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
As one of 56 state councils that make up the Federation of State Humanities Councils, Nevada Humanities is part of an active national community with a strong voice advocating for the humanities. Nationwide, these 56 state councils partner with over 10,000 organizations, create and sustain over 55,000 programs each year, and raise millions of dollars to share humanities programs in over 6,000 communities. Like Nevada Humanities, humanities councils around the nation enrich communities, connect us, and transform our lives in meaningful and surprising ways.
At Nevada Humanities every federal dollar received through funding from the NEH leverages local funding to support this work. This smart return on investment opens up humanities programming statewide to hundreds of thousands of Nevadans, and the many programs and events offered by Nevada Humanities exemplify why we should support the humanities. Remember the charter of the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act of 1965, “Democracy demands wisdom and vision in its citizens.”
How can you advocate for the humanities? Support the work of Nevada Humanities, learn about the NEH, or contact your Member of Congress to support funding for the humanities in Nevada and around the nation.