This 3 Questions Series offers the chance to learn more about board members, grantees, and longtime supporters of the Humanities Council. In the coming months the Council will continue to share these conversations as a window into the people who make up the Council’s unique network.
Katayoun “Katie” Alidadi, PhD (she/her/hers)
Assistant Professor of Legal Studies, Bryant University
Lives in Cranston, RI
As you join the Humanities Council’s board, what do you find most interesting or exciting about the Council’s work? Or what are you hoping to learn more about through your board service?
This is a critical time to support the humanities in every way possible and to preserve the stories and images that define our times. As a board member I look forward to learning from and supporting the wonderful work the Council does, and especially seeing which new projects come in, how these projects start to blossom, and how we can help make it a success collectively.
How do you interact with Rhode Island’s humanities and cultural sector personally and/or professionally? Can you share a favorite program, exhibit, project, performance, screening, or other humanities activity you’ve participated in recently and what you took away from that experience?
One of things that attracted me to Rhode Island, this small State, was the richness of its cultural sector: from art and theatre to music, dance, academic programming. It is hard to pick just one, but I try to carve out time regularly to enjoy outings that bring me in touch with the arts in a broad sense and broaden my horizons. As a mother of young children, I often participate in kid-friendly events or happening, and one of my favorite events is the Annual Gaspee parade in Pawtuxet village.
You have lived in several different places – what is it about living in Rhode Island that you find compelling?
I have lived in Europe, the Middle East and all around the United States (California, Texas, Massachusetts) and I now consider Rhode Island home. There is so much to enjoy so close to home: I enjoy the parks and beaches in the summer, even skiing in the winter at Yawgoo, and cultural and arts events throughout. I have hardly explored everything Rhode Island has to offer, so things remain interesting! What I admire most about people in Rhode Island is their positive spirit and sense of belonging and inclusion that is disarming and simply draws you in.
Learn more about Katie and other board member by reading their biographies here.
