FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, Oct. 5, 2026
Gov. Joe Lombardo Proclaims October 2026 as Arts and Humanities Month in Nevada
The Nevada Arts Council (the Council), a division of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs that bolsters the impact of the arts in the state, and Nevada Humanities, Nevada’s independent, nonprofit state humanities council partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities that works to connect and transform communities by highlighting stories, experiences and traditions of Nevadans, announced today that Governor Joe Lombardo has proclaimed October 2026 as Arts and Humanities Month in Nevada. The proclamation recognizes the contributions of the arts and humanities to the state’s economy, education, health and community life.
In particular, the proclamation cites information from the Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account that the arts and humanities contribute more than $12.4 billion and support more than 46,000 jobs in Nevada. This represents 5.1% of the state’s gross domestic product. It also identifies and recognizes the work of the Nevada Arts Council and Nevada Humanities, and by extension the work completed by numerous cultural organizations enabled by the Nevada Arts Council and Nevada Humanities in the state that deliver programming that elevates and enables artistic expression, cultural recognition and community resources throughout the year.
“We appreciate Governor Lombardo formally acknowledging the tremendous role the arts and humanities play in the state, as they are indeed powerful economic contributors,” said Tony Manfredi, executive director of the Council. “Across the state, all art forms create opportunities for people to learn, share their experiences and participate in the cultural life of their communities and Nevada Arts Council is distinctly honored to drive those opportunities forward. While art itself is subjective, it objectively creates critical jobs, important conversations and closer communities.”
“Since 1971, Nevada Humanities programs have connected Nevadans and amplified the Nevada experience by creating and funding cultural and educational opportunities across the state that ground us all with a strong sense of belonging and that share Nevada’s diverse history and heritage,” said Christina Barr, executive director of Nevada Humanities. “Governor Lombardo’s proclamation declaring October Arts and Humanities Month in Nevada highlights and reinforces the importance of the arts and humanities in strengthening our history, heritage, cultures, and traditions – our shared cultural wealth that helps us all live vibrant, connected, and engaged lives.”
According to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study, conducted by Americans for the Arts in partnership with the Nevada Arts Council reviewing the role nonprofit entities play in the state, Nevada’s arts and culture organizations and their audiences generated $662.5 million in economic activity statewide, supporting 9,640 jobs in 2022. The study focuses specifically on the nonprofit arts and culture sector. Statewide, attendees spent an average of $44.58 per person beyond admission, on expenses such as dining and transportation, and 88.2% of those surveyed said the activity or venue inspired pride in their neighborhood or community.
Individuals can view the Governor’s proclamation here.
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About Nevada Arts Council
Since 1967, the Nevada Arts Council has championed the arts across our state. As Nevada’s official arts agency, we ensure that all Nevadans can access artistic, creative, and cultural experiences and benefit from them. The Council strengthens communities, supports learning, boosts the economy, improves well-being, and enriches everyday life. We are the primary source of public arts funding and provide resources that help artists and arts organizations succeed. Learn more at nvartscouncil.org.
About Nevada Humanities
Nevada Humanities is one of 56 independent, nonprofit state and jurisdictional humanities councils that partner with the National Endowment for the Humanities. With offices in Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada Humanities creates public programs and supports public projects statewide that define the Nevada experience and facilitate the exploration of issues that matter to the people of Nevada and their communities. For more information about Nevada Humanities, visit Nevada Humanities’ website (nevadahumanities.org).