LEWISTON — The mood will be upbeat and lively at L/A Arts’ “Downstage” on Wednesday, Sept. 30, as local arts and culture enthusiasts celebrate October as National Arts & Humanities Month at 9 a.m.

“Downstage,” the newest local venue, is located in the Canal Street Alley, Lewiston.

However, during October, local enthusiasts won’t be alone. Hundreds of arts organizations and cities across the nation are also celebrating the monthly designation and recognizing activities that honor the efforts of artists, historians, cultural groups and cultural patrons working to keep the arts and humanities a vital part of communities.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend this free event, with parking available at the Centreville Parking Garage.

During the celebration, music will be provided by a local youth, and a photography exhibit by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine, Auburn-Lewiston Clubhouse will be on display. In addition to remarks by Mayor Laurent Gilbert, L/A Arts Director Andrew Harris will also share comments to include highlights from October’s local offerings.

Harris adds, “The September celebration really sets the tone for a vast array of arts and culture that will be right here in our community during the month of October. The Lewiston-Auburn area is indeed rich in such activities, and this is another great opportunity to further move the community forward.”

The local October arts & cultural scene includes: River Ways Community art exhibit, pianist Duncan Cumming, violinist Hilary Cumming, Bates College Modern Dance Company, “The Full Monty” at L/A Community Little Theater, Cancer Surviv-Art exhibit, The Dempsey Challenge, Celtic Tuesday with David Munnelly, Frank Glazer piano concert, “The Photograph” film series, Musicians of Vuyani Dance Theater, Dafnis Prieto Si o Si Quartet jazz workshop, etc.

The month-long national celebration grew out of National Arts Week, which was initiated 24 years ago in 1985, by The National Endowment of the Arts and Americans for the Arts.

To view a full local “Arts & Cultural Calendar,” individuals may visit http://www.laarts.org/arts-calendar/year.htm