This 3 Questions Series offers the chance to learn more about board members, grantees, and longtime supporters of Rhode Island Humanities. In the coming months, we will continue to share these conversations as a window into the people who make up our unique network.
Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie (she/her/hers)
Author
Lives in Providence
As you join Rhode Island Humanities’ 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?
I’m excited about the ways that Rhode Island Humanities financially supports organizations in Rhode Island so that important stories from throughout the state can be amplified! I’m excited to learn from those stories and their tellers.
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?
Most recently, I was enthralled by Mixed Magic Theatre’s event Exodus. I was inspired by the people who came together to create the event and by the audience, who ranged in age from 5-80 and came from all walks of life to be at Exodus. The exhibition was also a beautiful tribute to a member of the Pitts-Wiley family.
The Haus Of Glitter’s ritual theater piece, The Historical Fantasy of Esek Hopkins, was a powerful and riveting way of exploring, undoing, and reconsidering history while sharing personal history. The explorations of legacy were unlike anything I had seen. I left feeling invigorated about the healing capacities of performance.
What is it about living in Rhode Island that you find compelling?
The artists in Rhode Island are willing to collaborate and experiment creatively and I find that extremely compelling. I feel like I’ve uncovered new possibilities in my creative process, which has been fun.
I’ve met a lot of incredibly supportive people here and that has led me to reconsider the ways I do and don’t nurture and hold community. The friendships I have developed here have been beautiful.
Of course, the beaches are beautiful! They have been incredible spaces for me to ground myself, dream, and get clarity on the many things I have my hands in. Nature is a great healer.
Learn more about Mariahadessa and other board members by reading their biographies here.
