Honoring Humanities Work Throughout Michigan
Greetings!

September is a month that seems to focus on new beginnings: the start of the school year and a new season filled with possibilities. This week, we are welcoming a new staff member, Triniti Watson, as Michigan Humanities' programs and communications coordinator, and wishing the very best to our outgoing team member, Hanna Espie, as she begins graduate study with the University of Edinburgh.

We are also excited to focus on the continuation of our new Bridging Michigan initiative, and to celebrate outstanding humanities work in Michigan through the virtual Humanities Awards. Jim Leach, former Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities says, “The arts and humanities are vastly more important in troubled times.” We agree. Finding common ground is an essential component of a civil society and democracy. Celebrating what communities in Michigan do every single day for that purpose is monumental. In a world troubled by divisiveness, we stand together to celebrate excellence in programs and people that bring people together.
 
Please join us on September 17 for the virtual Humanities Awards. We thank you for your part in celebrating the humanities. 
 
Shelly Hendrick Kasprzycki
President & CEO
Who We Are
MH Board and Staff
What makes community life worthwhile? Is it the relationships you build over time with family, friends, and co-workers? What about the good times and memories from attending annual festivals and events? Or is it the experience of working through difficult times that bonds us together? Read more...
Join us for the virtual
Michigan Humanities Awards!

Please save the date for Thursday, September 17, at 7 p.m. Additional event details coming soon!

Read more about the Michigan Humanities Awards categories and past recipients here...
Programs and Grants
Bridging Michigan
Bridging Michigan is a new event series and grant opportunity that will spark in-depth conversation and action around systemic inequities. Grant applications are now open, and available for up to $1,500.

Join us for this week's online event:
September 3, 7-8 p.m.: Eric Hemenway and Matthew L.M. Fletcher in conversation about the history and current state of Native mascots.

Arts & Humanities Touring Directory
If you are an artist that is interested in being listed in the Arts and Humanities Touring Directory please mark your calendars for two important upcoming dates:

  • September 9, 11 a.m.: Virtual introduction and application workshop for new artists. Registration for the event can be found here.
  • September 11: Applications open for new artists online through the Michigan Humanities website.

Applications for non-profits will open for 2021 on November 15.
Great Michigan Read
The 2019-20 Great Michigan Read is extending programming into late 2020 and early 2021 to accommodate rescheduled events with Dr. Mona, author of this year's selection, What the Eyes Don't See. Visit the GMR events page to register for upcoming virtual events in Jackson, Kalamazoo, and Grand Rapids!

Free books and funding through GMR Action Grants are still available and new partners are invited to register today. Have future GMR title suggestions? Submit them here.
Action Grants
Use an Action Grant to share your innovative perspective of the humanities with your community, and cultivate new ideas to inspire action and strengthen our communities and our democracy.
Poetry Out Loud
Poetry Out Loud registration for 2020-21 is now open online.

High school teachers are invited to register for the 2020-21 program by December 4.
Our Mission
2008 Michigan Author Homecoming
To inspire us to come together in creative and freely expressed ways to deepen our understanding of ourselves and enrich our communities.
Our Vision
For all people of Michigan to experience and understand the importance of humanities to enrich lives.
Values
  • Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity
  • Discovery and Understanding
  • Authentic Conversation
  • Respectful Collaboration
  • Meaningful Experiences
Pillars
  • Build awareness and excitement for humanities in everyday life.
  • Achieve best practices and sustainability for all humanities programs and services in Michigan.
New blog post: Meet Michigan Humanities' Rackham interns
This summer and fall, Michigan Humanities is working with two Rackham interns on projects ranging from the Great Michigan Read, Action Grants, Community Conversations, and a convening of past Heritage Grant recipients.

Crystal Zanders joined us over the summer, and Jennifer Sierra is beginning her fall internship this month.
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Okemos, MI 48864
517-372-7770