Michigan Humanities ~ Michigan Stories
Executive Update
Greetings from Michigan Humanities!

The fall season is upon us, and with the cooler weather, it seems like a perfect time to curl up with a good book. Regional committees across the state are gathering soon to make a recommendation for the 2019-20 Great Michigan Read title. What an exciting time it is for the Council as we work with each committee on their arduous task of book selection. It isn’t just about a great book; it also involves what will appeal to a broad audience, what will lead to a wide array of programs and discussion, and what book has an author willing and able to travel all around the state to visit communities in person.Though voting is the responsibility of each regional committee, I personally read every nominated book myself and look forward to the conversation ahead.  What books are you reading this fall? Please share your favorites with me at skasprzycki@mihumanities.org .
 
Stay tuned as we progress into the twilight of the year. We will have a new, much simpler grant process, more opportunities for site visits and hands-on technical assistance, and many more exciting developments. Our staff is here to serve you as you bring public humanities to Michigan’s people. Thank you for your important work!
 
Happy autumn.

Shelly Kasprzycki
President and CEO
Advocacy Update

We hope you have all registered to vote in the upcoming election on Tuesday,
November 6th, 2018. Your voice matters, and by voting, you have the ability to make it heard.

Many of our grants and programs involve sharing and hearing the voices of multiple communities, groups, and individuals. This is a crucial part of our history. Once you have shared your voice by voting, and our new or returning elected officials have taken office, we will ask for your help telling the stories that show Michigan Humanities' impact around our state.

It is important for our Senators and Congressmen/Congresswomen to know that we do make a difference, and the work we do is important. If you would like to help us share our story after the November elections, please let us know. We welcome your help and value your voice!

To support Michigan Humanities through advocacy or through a direct donation , please contact Carol Taggart , Communications/Development Officer.
Visit Artworks in Big Rapids
to see Water/Ways
through November 11, 2018


 Take a look at the Artworks Water/Ways booklet for more information about their programs and events. Click here.
Great Michigan Read

This past week, GMR author Ilyasah Shabazz visited Jackson High School and Parnall Correctional Facility to discuss  X: A Novel  with program partners who have been reading the book this year. Thank you, Ms. Shabazz, for making two final stops in your series of 2017-18 author tours and visiting JTV in downtown Jackson to talk with Bart Hawley! You can view the JTV interview  here  and read MLive's article  here . 

We're looking forward to another engaging GMR in 2019-20, and the selection process for the next title is nearly complete. Michigan Humanities will announce the new statewide read in spring 2019 and the program kick-off will follow in fall 2019. Questions about the current or upcoming GMR program? Need additional GMR bookmarks or readers guides for  X: A Novel ? Please contact Program Officer  Katie Wittenauer !
Crossroads: Change in Rural America

Museum on Main Street:
Applications Due
December 3, 2018

Crossroads: Change in Rural America  offers small towns a chance to look at their own paths to highlight the changes that affected their fortunes over the past century. The exhibition will prompt discussions about what happened when America’s rural population became a minority of the country’s population and the ripple effects that occurred.
 
Crossroads is an exploration of the past, present, and future of rural America.  As a host of Crossroads , you will have the opportunity to work with partners in your community to create programming and exhibits that share your small town Michigan stories.

Applications will be accepted through December 3, 2018. For more information and to apply please visit the Crossroads page of the Michigan Humanities website.

Please contact Program Officer, James Nelson , with any questions.

#RuralCrossroads






Registration for Poetry Out Loud is open now, and we have been excited to see returning and new schools signing up to participate! If your school is interested in taking part in the 2018-19 program, visit the  POL webpage  to register by December 7 and contact Program Officer Katie Wittenauer with any questions.
POL Theater Shot









As we prepare for this year's Poetry Out Loud, we'll be listening to U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith's new podcast titled "The Slowdown." Smith will be reading poetry and exploring how it can help each of us better understand the world. You can listen to a trailer  here , and hear the debut in late November. 

NEW
Arts & Humanities Touring Directory OPENS TODAY!!

Announcing the newly designed Arts & Humanities Touring Directory!

The Arts & Humanities Touring Directory features some of the state’s most talented performing and visual artists, and humanities presenters. Over 40 new artists were added to the directory this year including STEAM assemblies, animal presenters, stop motion film making workshops, and more! The directory offers artists and humanities professionals the opportunity to present throughout the state by working with nonprofit recipients of the Arts & Humanities Touring Grants. Partnered with the Arts & Humanities Touring Grant program, it is a one-stop resource for many nonprofit organizations looking to hold public arts and culture events. The Arts & Humanities Touring Program is a joint collaboration of the Michigan Humanities Council and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.

The new directory will be available to view starting on October 15th after 5:00 pm. Organizations wishing to apply for funding can learn more about the application process HERE . Applications will be accepted starting on November 15, 2018 . Make sure to check out the directory and find the perfect fit for your next community event!

If you have questions please contact Program Officer, Jennifer Rupp .
Please Support Humanities throughout Michigan!
#HumanitiesMatter   

#SupportNEH

#MIHumanities