The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) and Rhode Island Humanities are collaborating to mark National Arts and Humanities Month in October. The theme for this year’s events is “Engaging Our Past, Sparking Our Future.” Both organizations will host a range of programs, webinars, workshops, and celebrations throughout the month.
According to RISCA Executive Director Todd Trebour, “As we celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month, the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is proud to partner with RI Humanities to honor the power of the arts, creativity, and culture — especially as we look ahead to America’s upcoming milestone of 250 years. This month’s programs build connections within Rhode Island’s cultural community, amplify the sector’s historical and contemporary importance, and explore how we can navigate the ever-changing challenges we collectively face. Through this month’s celebrations and events, together, we will gain a better understanding of where we’ve been; where we are now; and where we can go.”
A representative from Rhode Island Humanities added: “Humanities help us make sense of the world around us and inform our communities as we shape the future. As we kick off the commemoration of 250 years of the American experiment, humanities perspectives help us interpret history, give us courage to grapple with the gaps between ideals and the actions of the past, and strengthen our resolve to build the world we want together. We are excited to partner with our colleagues at RISCA and with other cultural organizations across the state and nation in this ongoing effort.”
The schedule includes several public events:
– On September 30th there will be an opening reception for “Art Unites Communities Art Exhibition – Journeys: A Personal Perspective” at RISCA’s Atrium Gallery in Providence.
– On October 3rd at First Unitarian Church in Providence, Brandon Nightingale will present his family history research connecting Georgia roots back to Providence through archival research and oral histories.
– An arts convening event co-hosted by RISCA, RI Humanities, and RI250 Commission will take place on October 8th at Varnum Memorial Armory in East Greenwich.
– Guided walking tours about Pawtucket’s historic Jenks Settlement begin October 11th at Old Slater Mill Historic Site.
– On October 23rd at HERA Gallery in South Kingstown there will be a networking event focused on arts’ role in health.
– Applications for RI Humanities’ THRIVE grant program for small cultural heritage organizations are due November 10th.
Both councils continue efforts to provide resources that support Rhode Island’s arts, culture, and humanities sectors. More information about these initiatives is available on their websites: www.arts.ri.gov and www.rihumanities.org.
National Arts & Humanities Month was established over three decades ago by Americans for the Arts (AFTA) as a way to highlight culture’s significance nationwide.
