The Covid-19 outbreak and efforts to protect public health demonstrate how important it is for each of us to act for the common good.
At the Humanities Council, we have encouraged grant recipients and program partners to make their own scheduling decisions by referencing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Rhode Island Department of Health for recommendations and based on what is best for their communities. This includes: grantees of the Humanities Council, XIX: Shall Not Be Denied events, and programs organized by RI Expansion Arts grantees.
As we become aware of postponements and cancelations, we will update our online calendar as quickly as possible. Please contact the host organization for the most up-to-date information on the status of those programs.
“Now is the time to practice what the humanities teach us about our shared humanity.”
–Touba Ghadessi, Board Chair
The Humanities Council stands behind the public health recommendations for “social distancing.” But each of us can continue to connect, engage, learn, and be inspired. You might do this through exploring Rhode Tour from your couch — check out the latest tour by Public Scholar awardee Taylor Polites on the “lost neighborhood” of Pond Street in Providence. Or dive into a new book, explore the resources on the XIX:Shall Not Be Denied website like this National Votes for Women map, listen to a favorite podcast like (Press)ed, and explore the Council’s ever-expanding online archive. The community will be stronger for your explorations!
Wish best wishes,
Elizabeth Francis, PhD
Executive Director
and the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities Team
For current Council grantees:
- We are committed to flexibility for grantees who need to reschedule events due to public health concerns. Grantees should make event decisions that meet the needs of their audiences, staff, and board. In the event of postponement or cancellation, we request that project directors notify us as quickly as possible so that we may update our records and calendar.
- We understand that program cancellations may delay interim and final reports. Therefore, we will consider extending grant periods by up to six months. Please contact Logan Hinderliter to discuss this option.
- We ask grantees who host public programs to continue to monitor the situation in their own communities and follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Rhode Island Department of Health for recommendations.
