The year 2025 is a major anniversary for the arts in the Granite State, when the N.H. State Council on the Arts celebrates 60 years of supporting arts programming, arts organizations and artists statewide.
“Everyone benefits from the arts in New Hampshire, and we look forward to celebrating with everyone statewide, all year long, as we shine a spotlight on all of the good that the arts do for New Hampshire,” said Adele Sicilia, director of the Arts Council.
Originally the N.H. State Commission on the Arts, the Arts Council was put forth as Senate Bill 97 to “insure that the arts in the life of our citizens will continue to grow and will play an ever more significant part in the welfare and educational experience of our citizens.” It was signed into law on June 28, 1965.
“The arts in their many forms have direct, positive impacts that are easy to see: public art in our city and town centers, shops and galleries, performances and more,” Sicilia continued. “Yet there are more subtle — but no less powerful — impacts as well, like better mental health outcomes for those who participate in arts programs, stronger creative thinking and problem-solving skills for students who are involved with arts in schools, and of course the uptick in customers for small businesses whenever a performance or exhibit takes place in their town.”
To kick off the year, the Arts Council has introduced a new logo, created by New Hampshire artist Nicole Pollack. The letters “NH” are created using geometric shapes that sit atop the word “ARTS,” symbolizing how the arts support the state.
In February, a new website, nharts.dncr.nh.gov, will launch. Completely revamped, the site will increase usability by integrating specially selected modules. Additionally, it is designed to adjust for ease of use on all devices, from desktop machines to tablets to smart phones.
Coinciding with the Arts Council’s 60th anniversary year, New Hampshire will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the national poetry recitation competition Poetry Out Loud. Each year, up to 10,000 high school-aged Granite State students participate, mastering public speaking skills, building self-confidence, and learning about literary history and contemporary life.
Fall will bring about the biennial Governor’s Arts Awards, which are celebrating their 45th year of recognizing outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support and availability of the arts in New Hampshire.
The N.H. State Council on the Arts, a division of the N.H. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, enhances the quality of life in New Hampshire by stimulating economic growth through the arts, investing in the creativity of students, making the arts accessible to underserved populations and preserving heritage arts. Learn more about the N.H. State Council on the Arts at nh.gov/nharts.
