View the report below or click here to download the PDF.
Rhode Island Humanities is at a pivotal moment and celebrating a special milestone—2023 is our 50th anniversary! Our Annual Report reflects on the accomplishments of 2022 and introduces our plans for the 50th.
The 2022 Annual Report highlights the development of the state’s first ever Civic Health Index, a project led by Rhode Island Humanities, and its relationship to our legacy of leadership in the state. The Index discusses many dimensions of Rhode Island’s civic health and highlights significant challenges for community well-being and participation. The Index also poses key questions about how to move forward. Along with the tremendous contributions of the our talented and committed staff, this initiative brought together a wide array of partner organizations and people, including Community Partners whose perspectives and knowledge contributed to the Index’s content and sparked engagement with it. We will continue to focus on improving civic health through the humanities.
Through our grantmaking program, Rhode Island Humanities has supported many projects that inspire community participation, envision progress, and tell Rhode Island’s stories. The role of public humanities has never been more relevant. Our grants support people and programs to spark dialogue, make connections, and bridge differences. Our support also creates essential opportunities for museums and historic sites to create new, more inclusive interpretations and broaden their audiences.
To celebrate Rhode Island Humanities 50th anniversary, we will be showcasing recent initiatives and 50 years of grantmaking in our social media, e-news and the creation of a special Rhode Tour. We also will highlight the strong connections between humanities participation and civic health in communities at an event reflecting on the outcomes of the Civic Health Index.
With the help of our wonderful 50th Anniversary Committee, we have launched a $50,000 for 50 Years fundraising campaign to strengthen Rhode Island Humanities and to create greater resources for community-based humanities. And we are taking this opportunity to re-invent our annual event in the Fall. Stay tuned!
I invite you to participate in all of these activities in our 50th year and hope to see you soon. Thank you for the many ways that you contribute to making the humanities by and for all Rhode Islanders.
Best wishes,
Elizabeth Francis, Executive Director
