This year marks the 15th anniversary of National Arts and Humanities Month (NAHM). NAHM is a coast-to-coast collective celebration of culture in America. Held every October and coordinated by Americans for the Arts, it has become the largest annual celebration of the arts and humanities in the nation. From arts center open houses to mayoral proclamations to banners and media coverage, communities across the United States join together to recognize the importance of arts and culture in citizens’ daily lives.

Here in Ohio you can find many ideas to celebrate NAHM. Check out http://www.maildogmanager.com/link.html?url=9&client=ohioartscouncil&campaign=196&email=##L@##H for listings of arts events in which you can take part.

Ohio Musicians Derek Mortland and Michael Joseph have been nominated for two Nammys. Nammys are Native American Music Awards. The duo has been nominated for their collaborative effort Sketches of the Inner World (SOTIW) in two categories; World and Songwriter of the Year.

Derek and Michael have been working together musically for more than 20 years. The collaboration of flute and acoustic guitar presents haunting melodies stemming from Michael’s exploration of his Blackfoot roots. The awards will be held October 4, 2008 in Niagara Falls.

PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS COLLEGE FAIR COMING UP

A Performing and Visual Arts (PVA) college fair is coming up in Cincinnati October 20, 2008 at the University of Cincinnati. The fairs are free and designed for students interested in pursuing undergraduate and graduate study in the areas of music, dance, theater, visual arts, graphic design and other related discipline.

Held each fall, attendees learn about educational opportunities, admission and financial aid, portfolio days, audition and entrance requirements and much more by meeting with representatives from colleges, universities, conservatories, festivals and other educational institutions with specialized programs in the visual and performing arts. For more information visit http://www.maildogmanager.com/link.html?url=225&client=ohioartscouncil&campaign=196&email=##L@##H.

MARTHA BURTON APPOINTED TO PEGGY R. MCCONNELL WORTHINGTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Ohio Arts Council Board member Martha Burton has been named to the inaugural Board of Trustees for the Peggy R. McConnell Worthington Center for the Arts. The Board was appointed after an extensive selection process by the nominating committee. The Board of Trustees will direct the not-for-profit that will oversee the center.

Thirteen members were chosen. The center is expected to open in 2009. For more information visit http://www.maildogmanager.com/link.html?url=226&client=ohioartscouncil&campaign=196&email=##L@##H

People in those cities experienced the compelling world music of the Mamadou Diabate Ensemble where the sounds of ancient instruments come together with the richness of West African tradition and the freshness of Grammy nominated kora player Mamadou Diabate.

IMPACT is presented by the Ohio Arts Council (OAC) in partnership with the Ohio Arts Presenters Network (OAPN) with support from Arts Midwest and the National Endowment for the Arts.