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KDA Celebrates National Arts & Humanities Month with Fall Programs Across California’s Central Valley

KDA joins communities nationwide in celebrating National Arts & Humanities Month throughout October 2026, honoring the artists, educators, historians, cultural groups, and partners whose work strengthens civic life.

Established by Americans for the Arts and observed each October, National Arts & Humanities Month is the country’s largest annual celebration of culture. It calls attention to the role the arts and humanities play in connecting people, preserving heritage, supporting education, and building healthier, more vibrant communities. KDA’s work in California’s Central Valley reflects that purpose every day: expanding access to dance and the arts, investing in local artists, and creating public programs that bring neighbors together.

“The arts are not an extra. They are how communities tell their stories, welcome new generations, and stay connected,” said Andrea Hansen, Executive Director of KDA. “National Arts & Humanities Month is a reminder that when we invest in and support artists, teachers, and cultural partners, we invest in a stronger Central Valley.” 

A CALL TO ACTION

National Arts & Humanities Month is an invitation to attend a performance, support a classroom, visit a cultural space, or thank the people who keep local arts alive. KDA’s fall calendar is built around that invitation: more access for artists, more stages for community work, and more ways for the Central Valley to see itself reflected in arts and humanities celebrations. This October, KDA is celebrating work happening with partners across California and the United States while previewing a busy fall season in Kern County and beyond. 


KDA Internship Applications Now Open
KDA is seeking student intern(s) interested in serving California’s Central Valley through the arts. The yearlong volunteer internship offers hands-on nonprofit experience in event coordination, communications, development, and administration. Applications are open now. Apply: https://form.jotform.com/kerndance/kda-student-internship-application

Open Stage Returns November 29
KDA is once again offering artists free access to the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater stage, including technical staff and theater amenities. Selected artists may use 1–2 hour slots on Sunday, November 29, 2026, to rehearse, perform, collaborate, film, or present holiday work. Applications are open now, with a deadline of Friday, October 30, 2026. Apply: kerndance.org/OPENSTAGE

Celebrating KDA Individual Artist Fellows
This fall, KDA will spotlight the KDA Individual Artist Fellows making an impact in Central Valley and Eastern Sierra communities. Through the California Arts Council Individual Artists Fellowship program administered by KDA, unrestricted fellowships support artists and culture bearers across the region.

Taste of Dance – Basque
KDA will continue its Taste of Dance series, which celebrates Kern County cultures through the performing and culinary arts. The next installment will explore Basque heritage during an evening at Woolgrowers in November. Tickets will launch soon.

Holiday Events Across Kern County
Holiday performances are approaching, and KDA will help share festive community events. Organizations and artists may submit details through KDA’s Kern County Media Request Form so the Alliance can help spread the news. Learn more at kerndance.org.

ABOUT KDA:
KDA is a nonprofit arts agency dedicated to supporting and promoting dance and the arts in California’s Central Valleys, with a focus on Kern County. Through innovative programs, events, and educational initiatives, KDA impacts thousands of lives, champions cultural diversity, and fosters creative expression to build stronger communities. 

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Jen Thompson

Vice President | Board Member

Jennifer Thompson is a proud Bakersfield native who fell in love with dance before she even started school. She grew up training under the guidance of renowned local instructor Georgia Peck, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for movement and expression. Jennifer pursed her academic education with equal enthusiasm, earning both her BA and MA in English from National University. For over 20 years, she has worked as an English teacher with the Kern High School District, where ahe has inspired generations of students with her love of literature and language. Recently, she has decided to begin a new chapter-transitioning from teaching English to teaching dance. She is thrilled to channel her passion into helping build and strengthen the fine arts program, where she can continue to inspire students through the transformative power of the arts. In addition to her work in education, Jennifer has proudly served as a board member with Kern Dance Alliance for the past four years. She loves the opportunity to bring dance to her community, spreading joy and encouraging creative expression in people of all ages. Outside of the classroom and studio, Jennifer has raised two grown children who are now pursuing their own passions-a journey that continues to inspire her both personally and professionally. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, diving into a good book, and-of course-continuing to take dance classes herself.

Marcie Hronis

President | Board Member

Marcie Hronis is a distinguished author, dedicated arts advocate, accomplished business proprietor, and renowned interview specialist who resides in the vibrant community of Bakersfield, California.

With a dance career spanning nearly two decades, Marcie honed her craft through rigorous classical ballet training under the esteemed Royal Academy of Dance, achieving the pinnacle of her dance education with a distinction in the Advanced II examination. Marcie’s artistic journey included a passion for modern dance, where her formative training was shaped by the profound influences of Lester Horton and Martha Graham.

As the proprietor of Marcie Hronis Communications, she has garnered accolades and recognition as an award-winning interview coach, serving a diverse clientele across the nation.

Marcie is a published author, having penned the highly acclaimed vegan cookbook titled “Believe it or Not” available worldwide on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Wal-Mart.

Furthermore, Marcie has assumed the esteemed position of President of Kern Dance Alliance, stepping into this role in 2023 following the legacy of Andrea Hansen. Her enduring commitment to the organization is exemplified by her role as a founding board member. Additionally, she has played a pivotal role as one of the co-creators of ADAPTIdance: DANCE + DISABILITY, Kern County’s exclusive adaptive dance program in collaboration with the League of Dreams.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Marcie shares her life with her husband, Demetri, and together, they are parents to two children. Both of their children are engaged in pursuits ranging from classical dance, singing, and piano, to the expressive world of painting.