The Council recently awarded over $13,800 to seven public humanities projects across the state. Congratulations to our grantees!
AS220, $2,000 to Unpacking Authentic Placemaking
Funds support an interactive panel of local and national experts who will discuss, debate, and disseminate the impacts of creative placemaking in the US. The panel will connect the nationwide placemaking movement to what is happening in the State’s capital and engage the community in a discussion about the successes, challenges, and opportunities of the city.
Genevieve Belcher, $1,896.35 to The Role of Kent County in the Industrial Revolution
Funds support the research phase of a documentary film exploring the history, economic impact, culture, and community of the historic mill town of West Warwick. A companion website will be created to track the research and serve as a supplementary educational resource to the film.
Jeffrey Matteis, $1,960 to The Rhode Island Hip Hop Project
Funds support the research phase of a documentary film bringing to light the history, development, and current state of the hip hop community in Rhode Island. Through interviews, oral histories, and archival research, the filmmakers will examine the state’s involvement in and impact on the East Coast hip hop scene.
The Manton Avenue Project, $2,000 to Narragansett Bay Play Festival, our Play-It-Again Program for Fourth Graders
Funds support a playwriting program, site-visit to Narragansett Bay, and performances of plays written by 4th graders from William D’Abate Elementary School in Olneyville. This year’s Play-It Again program will focus on themes connected to Narragansett Bay and its impact on the Ocean State’s history, ecology, food, community, and culture.
Roger Williams University, $2,000 to Bristol: Past and Present
Funds support the creation of an exhibit comparing the historical imagery of key buildings, streetscapes, economic activities, and cultural events of Bristol, RI. The exhibit and accompanying panel discussion will convene Bristolians and catalyze a discussion examining the heritage, history, and future of the city.
The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre, $2,000 to Pawtucket Humanities Forums: “Why Did You Shoot Me?” Standing Your Ground in Today’s America
Funds support four humanities forums, panel discussions, and talk-backs examining the themes of Andrew Case’s play “The Rant.” With the aid of multiple diverse and knowledgeable panelists, attendees of the discussions will explore topics such as race, violence, empathy, and perspective.
UPP Arts, $2,000 to Exploring Indigenous Culture Around Mashapaug Pond
Funds support scholarly involvement in the 2016 Urban Pond Procession’s series of programs thematically centered around Rhode Island’s indigenous cultures. Through a multitude of public programs, workshops, and educational activities, the UPP will engage community members, educators, and government agencies with the health and environmental challenges that face the state.
