Executive Order Re-establishes the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities Under IMLS

WASHINGTON, DC-The Institute of Museum and Library services announced today that under a new Executive Order issued by President Biden on Sept. 30, 2022, it will provide funding and administrative support for the re-establishment of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH). The order was part of a proclamation designating October 2022 as National Arts and Humanities Month.

"This Executive Order is an opportunity to reflect on the impact library and museum programs have on our communities. The creativity and inspiration artists, authors, and philosophers provide lead us to fuller, richer experiences," said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. "As two of the most trusted institutions, libraries and museums provide access that allows us to engage with the arts, humanities, and diverse cultures to bring about a more informed and engaged society."

The IMLS Director and the Chairs of the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities will lead the committee of up to twenty-five non-federal leaders in the arts, humanities, and museum and library services to advise the President on policy objectives, philanthropic and private sector engagement, and other efforts to enhance federal support for the arts, the humanities, and museum and library services.

"The President's Committee will itself be an expression of the delight and enlightenment that the arts and humanities give our lives individually and as a nation," said Kemper. "IMLS is thrilled to join with our sister institutions the NEH and NEA, and the White House, in sponsoring this important and vital cultural enterprise. Ars Longa Vita Brevis."

This joint initiative acknowledges the essential role of arts, humanities, and museum and library services in our society and democracy including civic life, economic opportunity and development, health and wellness, education, equity, climate, and social cohesion.

In the spirit of the order, IMLS will be developing partnerships with other federal agencies to advance opportunities to utilize the arts, humanities, museums, and libraries to connect communities across the country with important information and resources.