In order to increase awareness of and participation in the Arts statewide, the California Arts Council designated the first Friday in October of every year as California Arts Day. The purpose of Arts Day is to demonstrate the role and value of arts and culture throughout our state. The California Arts Council has encouraged the celebration of Arts Day by working to make this a commonly recognized annual celebration using two simple messages:

• The arts are important - economically, socially, and educationally.
• The arts are everywhere.

California Arts Day has been celebrated in many ways during the last several years --from music festivals and free museum admissions to arts advocacy rallies and newspaper advertisements. It is an opportunity for Californians to appreciate and experience the power and influence of the arts in all aspects of our lives--building communities, bridging cultures and celebrating diversity.