National awareness and heritage months are ingrained in American culture. With every turn of the calendar page, new causes come into focus with a call to action to acknowledge, understand, and advocate for the support of pressing issues. And October is no exception. It recognizes and brings attention to numerous campaigns, including women’s small businesses, economic education, global diversity and chili.
Seven years ago, Arts DuPage (AD), a countywide arts council under the umbrella of DuPage Foundation, established an initiative to support its own cause and proclaimed October as Arts DuPage Month (ADM), a 31-day celebration of the arts in DuPage County.
As an open invitation to discover and experience the arts in the region, the movement, which was inspired by Americans for the Arts’ Arts and Humanities Month, was designed to encourage engagement and investment in cultural activities that enrich the area. As an enticement, many theaters, galleries, and museums have infused their October offerings with special perks and assigned discounts and value-added incentives.
“Arts DuPage Month is a tangible celebration of the culture in our community that works to connect our neighbors with exclusive opportunities and unbeatable deals,” said Carol Marie O’Marrah, grants manager at Paramount Theatre. “The partnership and camaraderie of arts organizations that participate reflect that we are all here to see the arts thrive in DuPage and reach new audiences, and we can help each other on that journey.”
With that, O’Marrah announced an ADM discount of 20% off ticket purchases for any performance of Million Dollar Quartet in October. DuPage Symphony Orchestra came on board with its Tales of Imagination Concert on Oct. 11. Attendees can grab a 30% discount on any concert in the current season if purchased this month. BrightSide Theatre also jumped on the bandwagon with reduced tickets for the full run of The Rocky Horror Show Live.
Other organizations followed suit and have added their enhanced activities to the roster. With events popping up across the county, residents are encouraged to try some experiences and enjoy the perks and discounts available in October. Details, including dates, locations, and ticket pricing for these and all the other Arts DuPage Month events, can be found at artsdupage.org.
About Arts DuPage: Arts DuPage is a countywide arts council that supports, promotes, and advocates for the arts in DuPage County. Best known for artsdupage.org, its comprehensive event website for arts and entertainment, Arts DuPage showcases the vibrant local arts community, which generates cultural, economic, and social benefits for DuPage County and its residents.
