The MSU Museum hopes to do its part in promoting American cultural awareness during National Arts and Humanities Month.

The month’s goal is to organize unity among art groups, promote awareness and to emphasize the importance of arts and humanities in America. It was created by the National Assembly of State Art Associations.

“Often the arts aren’t high on people’s priority lists,” said Julie Avery, the museum’s assistant curator of history. She said America is younger than most countries and doesn’t respect the arts as much.

“We’re making an effort to draw attention to local and regional arts, to provide a balance to life,” Avery said. “The arts play a role in how we do everything.”

The museum hopes to show the commonalities in all the arts and humanities, especially their usefulness in economics, creativity, community living and problem-solving. This applies not only to America, but also to MSU.

The museum will host several exhibits this month showing the broad range of the arts and humanities in America.

The displays range from “Animal Weapons: Nature’s Arms Race,” an exhibit of natural weaponry such as talons, tusks and teeth to “It’s Fair Time,” a showcase that explores the history of American fairs.

“This month gives special and changing events a chance to be showcased,” MSU Museum information officer Lora Helou said.

MSU’s work with the arts and the humanities extends beyond the month of October, however.

At its two museums - the MSU Museum and Kresge Art Center - multiple film series and writing workshops are good examples of MSU’s contribution to an ongoing celebration, Helou said.

“MSU’s been doing very well in the arts,” she said. “There’s always lots of activities for students, faculty and staff to participate in.”