The Rhode Island Council for the Humanities is pleased to announce $11,911 in mini grant awards from the May 2023 application cycle to support public humanities projects. Read on for more details.
Awards to Individuals
Jessica Pearson, $1,915 to The radical space where dance and African American identity grew to its fullest potential
Supports archival research and interviews centered on the cultural and community impacts of Black woman-owned dance studios. The research phase of the project will culminate in a public panel discussion with Dee Dee Handy Morris, owner of Dee Dee’s Dance Center, and other Black dance studio owners and teachers from Rhode Island and New England.
Awards to Organizations
All Saints’ Memorial Church, $2,000 to The Wisdom of the African American Spirituals Tradition
Supports a discussion program and interactive workshop with internationally recognized author, scholar, and singer Dr. Arthur Jones. Jones will explore the cultural, spiritual, and musical legacy of African American spirituals using recordings and group singing in an interactive community workshop.
Brown University, $1,996 to Reimagining New England Histories: Teacher Professional Development
Supports a one-day professional development session for K-12 educators to develop lessons foregrounding the experiences and contributions of Native Americans. The session will provide participants with access to current academic research and will allow educators to evaluate and create lesson plans that illuminate the historic and continuing contributions of Native peoples.
Hope Library Association, $2,000 to The Scituate Story Project
Supports a program of teen storytelling workshops and a series of community open mic nights and story/poetry slams led by Mark Binder and Christopher Johnson.
Newport Historical Society, $2,000 to French in Newport Living History Weekend
Supports French in Newport Living History Weekend programming, including living historians re-enacting social ceremonies and giving interviews; tours of the Museum of the American Revolution’s replica of George Washington’s tent; colonial baking demonstrations, and more.
Queer.Archive.Work, Inc., $2,000 to Queer/Trans Zinefest (QTZ) 2023
Supports Queer/Trans Zinefest (QTZ) 2023, an independent publishing zine festival celebrating the creations of queer, trans, and gender non-conforming writers, poets, cartoonists, independent publishers, and zine makers. The festival includes free programming such as an evening reading, workshops, panel discussions, and open studio days.
