News Archive

Arts & Humanities Touring Program funds exhausted

July 29, 2010, 12:13 pm

As of July 29, 2010, funding available for the Arts and Humanities Touring Program was exhausted. Therefore, the Touring Program is no longer funding applications for programs through September 2010.
Michigan Humanities Council Adds Four to Board of Directors

July 13, 2010, 12:42 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council announces that four individuals recently joined its Board of Directors; three were appointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm and the other was elected by the board. The three gubernatorial appointments are Jorge Chinea of Clinton Township, Shakil Khan of Lake Orion, and Maralyn O’Brien of Canton. Chinea and Khan were appointed on May 3, 2010 and will serve until December 31, 2012; O’Brien was appointed on May 3, 2010 and will serve until December 31, 2011. Chris Nern was elected on June 17, 2010 and will serve until December 31, 2012.
Four More Libraries to Host Humanities-Based Literacy Program for Families

June 22, 2010, 10:51 am

The Michigan Humanities Council announces it will implement PRIME TIME Family Reading Time®, a humanities-based family program focusing on reading, discussion, and storytelling, to four additional public libraries in Michigan: Hackley Public Library in Muskegon; Peter White Public Library in Marquette; Highland Twp. Public Library in Highland; and, Hamtramck Public Library in Hamtramck. A total of 13 libraries will implement PRIME TIME this year: on April 29, the Council announced nine communities will host the program: Adrian, Alpena, Cassopolis, Charlevoix, Jackson, Monroe, Morenci, Saginaw, and South Haven.
$155,000 Awarded to 13 Humanities Projects

June 4, 2010, 12:15 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council has awarded $154,525 in grants to support 13 public humanities projects in Michigan. Communities with organizations receiving grants include: Hancock, Marquette, Paradise, Traverse City, Holland, Kalamazoo, Whitehall, Saginaw, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Detroit The grants emphasize collaboration among cultural, educational, and community-based organizations and institutions to serve Michigan citizens with public humanities programming. Organizations awarded grants will generate an additional $358,580 in cost-share and other revenue in support of the projects. In all, 19 applications were received that would have generated $715,874 in activity.
2010 Michigan Author Homecoming video available online and DVD

May 24, 2010, 11:08 am

The 2010 Michigan Author Homecoming in East Lansing on May 18 and in Marquette on May 20 concluded the 2009-2010 Great Michigan Read. The event featured Benjamin Busch, Philip Caputo, Doug Stanton to present "Writing War: Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam." The video can be seen on the Council's website and a DVD copy is also available.
Michigan Author Homecoming interviews this week (May 11-14)

May 10, 2010, 3:31 pm

Michigan Entertainment Radio will air interviews at 4:30 pm each day this week on Michigan Entertainment Radio: Tue (May 11) - Scott Hirko, Mich. Humanities Council. Wed (May 12) - Benjamin Busch. Thu (May 13) - Doug Stanton. Fri (May 14) - Phil Caputo. Click on the top right of the Michigan Enntertainment home page to listen to a live stream or link more directly here: http://69.167.137.29:8005/listen.pls
Nine Libraries to Host Literacy Program for Families

April 29, 2010, 12:32 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council announces nine libraries will participate in PRIME TIME Family Reading Time®, a humanities-based family program focusing on reading, discussion, and storytelling that takes place in public libraries. This six- to eight-week program targets non-library-using families and helps parents and children become enthusiastic readers and active public library users. The nine libraries are in: Alpena, Cassopolis, Charlevoix, Saginaw, Jackson, Adrian, Monroe, South Haven,and Morenci.
2009 Annual Report

April 29, 2010, 11:03 am

The 2009 Annual Report from the Michigan Humanities Council is now available online.
Jan Fedewa on Comcast Newsmakers in Lansing, Detroit

April 27, 2010, 10:37 am

Janice Fedewa, executive director of the Michigan Humanities Council, will appear on Comcast Newsmakers in Lansing from April 26 - May 2, and in metro Detroit from May 17 - 23. Fedewa discusses the Michigan Author Homecoming event and the Council's role with creating programs which enhance the reading of literature in the state.
Treiber Finishes in Top 8 in Region But Does Not Advance

April 27, 2010, 9:11 am

On Monday, April 26, the first day of the national Poetry Out Loud competition in Washington, DC, senior Lauren Treiber of Forest Hills Central High School in Grand Rapids finished in the top 8 in the Midwest Region. The Midwest is one of three regions in the competition; however, only the top 3 per region advance to the national finals on Tuesday. The Michigan Humanities Council congratulates Lauren on a job well done!
Grand Rapids Student to Compete in Poetry Out Loud National Finals in Washington, DC

April 23, 2010, 12:47 pm

On April 26 and 27, senior Lauren Treiber of Forest Hills Central High School in Grand Rapids will participate in the Poetry Out Loud National Finals in Washington, DC. On Monday, April 26, Treiber will showcase her skills in poetry memorization and recitation as one of 53 contestants (champions from every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). The event will be held at the Lisner Auditorium, George Washington University, 730 21st Street NW, Washington, DC.
Benjamin Busch, Philip Caputo, Doug Stanton to present "Writing War: Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam"

April 13, 2010, 11:43 am

The Michigan Humanities Council will present the 2010 Michigan Author Homecoming, “Writing War: Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam,” with noted writers Benjamin Busch, Philip Caputo, and Doug Stanton on May 18 in East Lansing and on May 20 in Marquette. The events will celebrate the conclusion of the Council’s 2009-2010 Great Michigan Read. Each event will be a moderated, panel-style discussion focusing on the impact of war on culture, particularly in relation to recent United States conflicts (Afghanistan, Iraq, and Vietnam). There will be a book signing at both locations.
Bill Ivey to present "Arts and Community in the Age of Obama," April 7 in East Lansing

March 30, 2010, 10:59 am

The Engaged Scholar Speaker Series, National Collaborative for the Study of University Engagement and MSU Office of Outreach and Engagement present Bill Ivey, former chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts. Ivey will present a lecture on "Arts and Community in the Age of Obama," with a reception and book signing to follow. This event is free and open to the public. Registration (by April 5) is required, seating is limited.
Lauren Treiber of Forest Hills Central High School Wins Poetry Out Loud State Championship

March 6, 2010, 4:24 pm

Lauren Treiber of Forest Hills Central High School in Grand Rapids won the 2010 Poetry Out Loud state championship hosted today in Lansing by the Michigan Humanities Council. Treiber bested 22 other contestants from across Michigan to win the title. She is currently in the 12th grade and lives in Grand Rapids. She will receive a $200 cash award and an all-expenses paid trip to the national finals in Washington D.C. from April 25-27, 2010. Forest Hills Central High School will also receive a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry books. Kelly Stec of RooseveltHigh School in Wyandotte was named the runner-up in the competition.
Poetry Out Loud State Championship on March 6

February 26, 2010, 10:38 am

The fifth annual Poetry Out Loud state poetry recitation competition is scheduled for March 6, 2010, at the State of Michigan Library and Historical Center (702 W. Kalamazoo St.) in Lansing. The event begins at 10 am with winners announced at 4 pm. It is free and open to the public. High school students from 24 schools across Michigan will participate. The winner will be named Michigan's Poetry Out Loud representative for the national competition.
Funding Available for Arts & Humanities Programs

January 28, 2010, 4:30 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council is now accepting applications for grants to support arts and humanities programs between April 1 and September 30, 2010. The grants will be awarded as part of Michigan’s Arts and Humanities Touring Program, which consists of an online, juried directory of some of the state’s best cultural offerings including dance, music, storytellers, theatre, tradition bearers, exhibits, and visual artists. Grants of up to 40 percent of the cost of performances are awarded to schools, libraries, cultural centers, and nonprofit organizations to support presentations of those listed in the directory.
4,500 Michigan Students Participate in Poetry Contest

January 26, 2010, 5:10 pm

More than 4,500 students from 30 Michigan high schools are participating in the state’s fifth annual Poetry Out Loud state poetry recitation competition. English and language arts teachers at each participating high school have incorporated poetry into their classrooms using curriculum materials and audio CDs of poetry recitations. Each school will select a student to participate in a statewide championship competition, to be held in Lansing on March 6, 2010. Awards will be presented to the best students reciting previously published works. The winning student will also represent the state of Michigan in a national competition. A list of participating schools is available.
NEH Chairman James Leach makes a case to end dirty politics on Feb. 2 at Wayne State University

January 26, 2010, 9:35 am

As the tone of American political discourse continues to degrade from informative argument to personal attacks and innuendo, a lone voice is speaking out about the importance of civility in public debate. James Leach, chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), will give his "Civility in a Fractured Society" lecture at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at the Spencer Partrich Auditorium in the Wayne State University Law School. The event is hosted by Wayne State University's Center for the Study of Citizenship as part of a 50-state American Civility Tour. It is free and open to the public. The lecture is co-sponsored by the Michigan Humanities Council.
Council Invites Libraries to Apply for $9,000 to Host PRIME TIME Family Reading Time

January 14, 2010, 10:55 am

The Michigan Humanities Council invites all libraries in Michigan to submit a letter of interest by January 22, 2010 for a $9,000 grant to conduct a six-week program entitled PRIME TIME Family Reading Time®. PRIME TIME® is a program of reading, discussion, and storytelling featuring award-winning children's literature. The books are specifically chosen to stimulate discussion about humanities themes and everyday problems or concerns.
Picturing America Museum Partnership Offers $500 for Schools and Libraries

January 5, 2010, 4:32 pm

The Picturing America in Michigan Museum Partnership Program offers museum and in-school programs that utilize American art as a vehicle for exploring American history. Eligible Picturing America schools and libraries may apply for up to $500 to support programs taking place before May 31, 2010. In the past year, Picturing America in Michigan programs have brought museum programs to more than 5,000 students at 102 schools and libraries.
$39,955 Awarded for Arts & Humanities Programs

December 3, 2009, 12:34 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council announces it will award $39,995 in grants to Michigan nonprofit organizations in support of 67 artistic and cultural presentations in 23 counties between October 1, 2009 and September 30, 2010. The grants will be awarded as part of Michigan’s Arts and Humanities Touring Program, which consists of an online, juried directory of some of the state’s best cultural offerings including dance, music, storytellers, theatre, tradition bearers, exhibits, and visual artists.
Six Sites to Host Vietnamese in Michigan Exhibit

December 1, 2009, 3:06 pm

Six sites will host its new exhibit, "Their Journey: Vietnamese in Michigan", now through May 31, 2010: Grand Rapids Public Library (GRPL), Fremont Area District Library, University of Michigan Library (Ann Arbor), Dennos Museum Center (Traverse City), Stair Public Library (Morenci), and Cromaine District Library (Hartland). The exhibit was created to augment the 2009-2010 Great Michigan Read, the Council’s statewide reading program and its book selection, "Stealing Buddha’s Dinner" by Bich Minh Nguyen. Each host site in 2010 will also create programs in support of the exhibit. The GRPL is the first site to host the exhibit through December 28, 2009. It is free and open to the public.
Six Host Sites for Their Journey: Vietnamese in Michigan to be Announced on Dec. 1

November 30, 2009, 2:20 pm

The six sites to host the Michigan Humanities Council exhibit, Their Journey: Vietnamese in Michigan, will be announced the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the Grand Rapids Public Library (GRPL). A press release will be posted on the Council's website by mid-afternoon of December 1. The first site for the exhibit is the GRPL, which will host it free and open to the public through December 28.
$95,552 Awarded for Seven Humanities Projects

November 23, 2009, 3:25 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council awarded $95,552 in grants to support seven public humanities projects in Michigan. The grants emphasize collaboration among cultural, educational, and community-based organizations and institutions to serve Michigan’s people with public humanities programming. Organizations awarded grants stated their intent to generate an additional $212,420 in cost-share and other revenue in support of the projects. Projects include two in West Michigan, two in Southwest Michigan, two in metro Detroit, and one in Lansing.
Touring Program funding no longer available

November 13, 2009, 12:44 pm

As of November 13, 2009, grant support for programs for the Arts & Humanities Touring Directory was no longer available. Funding is now exhausted to support new applications for programs through October 2010.
Vietnamese refugee exhibit to tour Michigan

November 2, 2009, 3:14 pm

On December 1, 2009, the Michigan Humanities Council will debut Their Journey: Vietnamese in Michigan, a new exhibit about the history of Vietnamese refugees in Michigan, at the Grand Rapids Public Library (GRPL). The exhibit will remain at the GRPL through December 28. In addition, the Council is now accepting applications to host the exhibit at five other Michigan locations during the following periods in 2010.
On-line discussion for Stealing Buddha's Dinner begins October 26!

October 19, 2009, 3:07 pm

From October 26-30, the public is invited to participate in a unique, virtual dialogue on "Stealing Buddha's Dinner" with individuals from other Michigan communities, high schools, colleges, and others. Questions emanating from Bich's tour visit Oct 13-17, as well as from her memoir, will be posed to stimulate dialogue on immigration stories, cultural understanding, and contemporary history. Discussion will occur on the Facebook website beginning October 26. Join and comment when you have a chance.
Live online chat with Bich Minh Nguyen, Monday, Oct. 12, 11 am - 12 noon, at Detroit Free Press website

October 9, 2009, 3:13 pm

On Monday, October 12, from 11 am – 12 noon, The Detroit Free Press will offer Michigan literature enthusiasts an opportunity to participate in a live, online chat with Stealing Buddha’s Dinner author Bich Minh Nguyen. The opportunity is made possible in advance of Nguyen’s five-city tour of Michigan next Tuesday through Saturday as part of the Michigan Humanities Council’s Great Michigan Read. The public can participate in the Free Press live chat via a link on its homepage, www.freep.com
High School Students Produce Video Documentaries

October 7, 2009, 11:52 am

Over the past year, students from 11 high schools across Michigan worked with the Michigan Humanities Council to create video documentaries that interpret unique aspects of their community. Students learned video production techniques, including skills such as interviewing and storyboarding. Students controlled the concept and artistic direction. By the end of the program, 42 videos were created by students from 11 high schools: Allegan, Bay City, Bear Lake, Bloomfield Hills International Academy, Burt Township (Grand Marais), Frankfort, Harper Woods, Hartland, Lansing Everett, Warren Mott, and Waterford Mott.
Council's Fall 2009 print newsletter available

October 6, 2009, 12:15 pm

Michigan Humanities Council's Fall 2009 newsletter features: The Great Michigan Read; Arts & Humanities Touring Program; The Challenge to Define the Humanities; Remembering the Polish Experience; Up From the Bottoms; Picturing America in Michigan Merges Art and History; PRIME TIME Helps Families Understand Being Together; The Michigan Melting Pot and the Great Michigan Read; Poetry Out Loud; and, a list of supporters during the Fiscal Year 2008
URGENT - Your help needed for federal legislative action TODAY (Sept. 28)!

September 28, 2009, 9:55 am

A Senate-House conference committee may meet today (9/28) for a final decision on the NEH budget. The Michigan Humanities Council asks you to contact your member of Congress to request support of House-level funding of $170 million for the NEH in 2010, still less than the $178 million total funding in 1994. This includes $41 million for state councils, including the Michigan Humanities Council, which receives most of its funding from the NEH. Increased funding would be sent back to communities for public programs. Please click on the link above to access an updated, convenient email message - and feel free to adjust it with your public humanities experiences. Thank you for your support!
Council Invites High Schools to Join Poetry Out Loud

September 16, 2009, 3:40 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council announces the fifth annual Poetry Out Loud state poetry recitation competition is open to all Michigan high school students. Each participating high school will receive poetry curriculum materials and audio CDs of poetry recitations. Awards will be presented to the best students reciting previously published works. The winning student will also represent the state of Michigan in a national competition. Since Poetry Out Loud’s debut in the 2005-2006 school year, more than 4,000 students have participated; last year, 32 schools and an estimated 2,725 students participated.
Daniel Bellomy of Detroit Cass Tech High School to be featured on CBS News Sunday Morning

September 11, 2009, 3:33 pm

The national news program CBS News Sunday Morning is scheduled to broadcast a segment on the 2009 Poetry Out Loud National Finals, which took place last April. Host (and poet) Charles Osgood visited Washington, DC to tape interviews with various participants, including guest judge Garrison Keillor and state champions. Daniel Bellomy of Detroit Cass Tech was one student interviewed and he will be featured on Sunday; he was the 2009 Michigan state champion of Poetry Out Loud, directed by the Michigan Humanities Council. The show is scheduled for broadcast on Sunday, September 13th at 9:00 am. The program airs in Detroit on WWJ TV and throughout Michigan on other CBS stations at 9:00 am.
24 new videos for Picturing Your Community in America

September 11, 2009, 11:39 am

Michigan Humanities Council has loaded 24 new videos to its website, all created by high school students from Bay City, Bear Lake, Frankfort, Harper Woods, and Warren. All part of Picturing Your Community in America, a program directing students to create humanities/oral history biographies of their communities through their eyes. They are available on the Internet at the Council's Media Archive in the Resources section or on You Tube at http://www.youtube.com/michiganhumanities
Bich Minh Nguyen’s Great Michigan Read Author Tour Announced

August 5, 2009, 4:35 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council announces the details for Bich Minh Nguyen, author of Stealing Buddha’s Dinner, to tour Michigan as part of the Council’s 2009-2010 Great Michigan Read. The Council will bring Nguyen to five Michigan cities – Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Midland, Lansing, and Plymouth – from October 13-17, 2009. The public is invited to each event, but seating is limited. All events are free except where noted. A book signing will be provided at each location.
New Arts & Humanities Touring Directory Released

July 31, 2009, 12:38 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council announces the launch of the 2009-2012 Michigan Arts & Humanities Touring Directory. The Directory provides an online listing of 204 of the state’s most talented performing and visual artists, humanities presenters, and cultural exhibitors. The catalogue offers a wide variety of cultural programming including dance, music, storytelling, theater, tradition bearers, and visual arts. In addition, the Michigan Humanities Council will provide grants to Michigan nonprofit organizations to help cover costs of performers, presenters, and exhibitors listed in the Directory.
Council Welcomes New Development Director

July 23, 2009, 2:39 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council welcomes Wendi Tilden to its staff as its new Development Director. Tilden’s duties include implementing fundraising strategies to enhance and diversify the Council’s revenue to grow its endowment and build upon its success with additional humanities programs in Michigan communities.
$15,000 Grants Available for Public Humanities Projects, $5,000 for Great Michigan Read Projects

July 20, 2009, 11:30 am

The Michigan Humanities Council is now accepting applications from Michigan nonprofit organizations for up to $15,000 to fund public humanities projects and up to $5,000 to fund Great Michigan Read projects. The public humanities grants emphasize collaboration among cultural, educational, and community-based organizations. Great Michigan Read grants are available to encourage communities to create projects involving the book, "Stealing Buddha’s Dinner," by Bich Minh Nguyen. Major grant applications must be postmarked no later than September 15, 2009.
Picturing Your Community in America videos available

July 13, 2009, 11:02 am

Michigan Humanities Council has loaded 17 new videos to its website, all created by high school students from Allegan, Bloomfield Hills, Hartland, Lansing, and Waterford. All part of Picturing Your Community in America, a program directing students to create humanities/oral history biographies of their communities through their eyes.
$151,581 Awarded for 12 Humanities Programs

June 24, 2009, 9:21 am

The Michigan Humanities Council announces 12 organizations from across Michigan will receive $151,581 to help support public humanities programs. The grants emphasize collaboration among cultural, educational, and community-based organizations. Funded organizations include: MSU American Indian Studies Program, Sustainable Farmer, CMU, Plowshares Theatre Company, Polish Mission at Orchard Lake Schools, Kerrytown Bookfest, EMU Art Department, Living Arts, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Long Haul Producations, Grand Rapids Area Council for the Humanities, and the Marquette County Historical Museum.
Facebook Page Launches with Features on The Great Michigan Read

May 29, 2009, 10:19 am

The Michigan Humanities Council is now on Facebook. The Facebook page includes interactive tools, photos, maps, videos, discussion boards, and unique Facebook applications -- all directed at the content from the Great Michigan Read selection, "Stealing Buddha's Dinner," by Author Bich Minh Nguyen. Themes directed at Immigration Stories, Cultural Understanding, and Contemporary History have been integrated into the social networking page. The public is invited to participate and spread the word.
Stealing Buddha's Dinner selected for Great Michigan Read

May 19, 2009, 2:42 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council and Meijer announce the selection of Stealing Buddha’s Dinner by Grand Rapids native Bich Minh Nguyen (pronounced bit-min-win) for the Council’s 2009-2010 Great Michigan Read. Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm proclaimed May 19th as “The Great Michigan Read Day.” The public announcement will be broadcast over the Internet by 4 pm.
Great Michigan Read book selection on May 19 to be webcast

May 8, 2009, 10:35 am

(LANSING)----The Michigan Humanities Council and Meijer invite the media and the public to the official announcement of the book selection for the Michigan Humanities Council’s 2009-2010 Great Michigan Read on May 19, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at the Meijer store on 5533 28th Street SE in Grand Rapids. Speaking at the announcement will be Judy Rapanos, Chair of the Michigan Humanities Council; Hank Meijer, Co-Chairman & CEO of Meijer; and the book’s author. Governor Jennifer Granholm (invited, currently tentative) will issue an Executive Declaration for May 19 to be “The Great Michigan Read” Day. The announcement will also be broadcast on the Intrnet at 3 pm.
Susbsribe to the Council's e-newsletter

May 5, 2009, 9:19 am

Are you subscribing to the Michigan Humanities Council's e-newsletter? This month, articles included the announcement of the Great Michigan Read, PRIME TIME, Quick grants, Federal funding opportunities, and public humanities events across the state in May. Subscribe by linking to "Join our Newsletter" on the right...
Michigan Humanities Council Seeks Development Director

April 8, 2009, 2:37 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council seeks a development director to implement its fundraising strategies. The successful candidate will have three to five years experience preferably with an educational or cultural organization; excellent oral and written communication skills; track record of cultivating gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations; superior grant-writing skills; excellent computer skills; a B.A. degree is preferred. Salary is competitive, excellent benefits. Application deadline is May 1, 2009.
193 Michigan Public & School Libraries Awarded We the People bookshelf

April 8, 2009, 9:56 am

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) announced that 193 public and school libraries in Michigan will receive a free collection of classic books for the 6th annual We the People Bookshelf. Libraries across the nation each will receive 17 hardcover books for young readers (K-12) related to this year’s theme, Picturing America. The Bookshelf includes Spanish translations to accompany three of the selected titles, as well as bonus materials for readers of all ages. Each library will use its set of classic books to develop educational programming and events that engage young readers in the Picturing America theme.
Daniel Bellomy of Cass Technical High School in Detroit Wins Poetry Out Loud State Championship

March 7, 2009, 7:13 pm

Daniel Bellomy of Cass Technical High School in Detroit won the 2009 Poetry Out Loud state championship hosted today in Lansing by the Michigan Humanities Council. Bellomy bested 23 other contestants from across Michigan to win the title. He is currently in the 11th grade. He will receive a $200 cash award and an all-expenses paid trip to the national finals in Washington D.C. from April 28-29, 2008. Cass Tech High School will also receive a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry books. Katie Corbit of Portage Central High School was named the runner-up in the competition.
4th Annual Poetry Out Loud State Championship

February 26, 2009, 10:08 am

The Michigan Humanities Council announces the fourth annual Poetry Out Loud recitation competition to be held on Saturday, March 7, 2009, from 12:30 – 4 p.m. in the Forum Room at the Library of Michigan in Lansing. Students from 24 Michigan high schools will compete. Participants will each recite two poems and be judged on: physical presence, voice and articulation, appropriateness of dramatization, level of difficulty, evidence of understanding accuracy, and overall performance. The state winner will receive $200 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to compete for the national championship April 27-28, 2009.
Poetry Out Loud, Arts & Humanities Touring Program Testimony to State Senate

February 19, 2009, 3:35 pm

Holt Senior High School teacher Margaret Charette and Howell storyteller Yvonne Healy both testified to the Michigan Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on History, Arts, and Libraries on February 19. Charette provided comments regarding state arts and cultural funding for Poetry Out Loud; Healy discussed arts and cultural funding of the Arts & Humanities Touring Program.
Governor Proposes Elimination of State Arts & Cultural Grants

February 12, 2009, 2:11 pm

In her 2009-2010 proposed budget, the Governor announced the elimination of arts and cultural grants. Notably, this may likely affect several programs administered by the Council beginning next year: Michigan Arts & Humanities Touring Program, which funds grants to communities to host art and cultural presentations; the Poetry Out Loud state poetry recitation competition; and, arts and humanities reports on Michigan Public Radio and Television.
2009 Grants to Bring a Musician, Artist, Historical Presenter, or Exhibit to Your Community

February 3, 2009, 10:18 am

Some of Michigan's most talented performing and visual artists and humanities presenters are available to come to your community. The next application period for Arts & Humanities Touring Programs will start on Wednesday, February 25 and end on Tuesday, March 10. Access the application today!
State of Michigan Seeks Arts & Cultural Projects for Funding in Federal Stimulus

January 20, 2009, 11:04 am

The Michigan Humanities Council received information from the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries to encourage our arts and cultural constituents to identify projects that may be considered eligible to receive possible funding as part of the federal economic recovery bill. The request is for "shovel ready" projects that fit the intent of the legislation and support arts and cultural initiatives that further the economic vitality of your communities and our state. If you know of a project or have projects that fit these criteria, please submit them with to inventory@michigan.gov by no later than January 30, 2009. For more information, visit www.artservemichigan.org.
Michigan Humanities Council is Twittering

January 9, 2009, 10:36 am

The Michigan Humanities Council is now twittering, providing an online platform for quick discussion about culture and humanities in Michigan. The Council joins its colleagues at other state humanities councils in Oregon, Minnesota, and Alabama with twitter feeds. Link to http://twitter.com/mihumanities
32 High Schools Selected for State Poetry Recitation Contest

December 17, 2008, 3:09 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council announces that students from 32 Michigan high schools will participate in the Poetry Out Loud program (see complete list below). Each participating school will receive standards-based curriculum materials to use. These materials include print and online poetry anthologies containing nearly 500 classic and contemporary poems, a teacher’s guide, and a CD of recitations by well-known actors and writers. More high schools are participating in Poetry Out Loud this year than previous years. Since its inception,about 1,700 Michigan high school students have participated in the program.
26 Schools Awarded Picturing America in Michigan Grants

December 3, 2008, 9:31 am

The Michigan Humanities Council announces up to $500 is available to Michigan K-12 schools and libraries involved in the Picturing America program to help pay program and travel costs to one of 12 partnership museums during the 2008-9 school year. The grants are available ONLY to Michigan’s nearly 1,000 schools participating in Picturing America, a National Endowment for the Humanities initiative that helps students gain a deeper understanding of America history through the study and understanding of its art.
$101,379 Awarded for Humanities Programs

November 24, 2008, 3:55 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council announces seven organizations from across Michigan will receive $101,379 to help support public humanities programs. The grants are part of the Council’s Michigan People, Michigan Places … Our Stories, Our Lives program which emphasizes collaboration among cultural, educational, and community-based organizations. Receiving grants are seven organizations in Lansing, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Jackson, and Marquette.
45 K-12 Transportation Grants Announced

November 19, 2008, 2:30 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council announces 45 grants totaling $21,373 to K-12 schools across Michigan to help pay transportation costs for trips to cultural programs or institutions in this school year. The transportation grants provide support to accredited public or private K-12 schools in Michigan with one grant for up to $500 to attend any Michigan Humanities Council- or Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs-funded museums, galleries, cultural venues, and programs such as music, dance, theatre performances, and cultural/art exhibits.
$30,408 Awarded for 156 Cultural Programs

November 13, 2008, 2:25 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council (MHC) recently awarded $30,408 in Arts and Humanities Touring Program grants to Michigan organizations to support 156 artistic and cultural presentations in 19 counties between October 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009. The Council also announced that cultural presenters interested in being listed in the 2009-2012 Michigan Arts & Humanities Touring Directory must send their applications to the Council postmarked no later than this Friday, November 14, 2008.
Michigan Humanities Council Launches New Website

October 29, 2008, 10:24 am

The Michigan Humanities Council announces it has launched a new design of its website, www.michiganhumanities.org. The new website was created to enhance the image of the Council as one of Michigan’s prominent cultural programming organizations and to respond to the public’s need to better access information about engaging in public humanities programs.
K-12 Schools Scramble for Transportation Grants, Demonstrate Value of Arts & Cultural Programs

October 17, 2008, 11:24 am

Because demand far exceeded supply, the Michigan Humanities Council and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) today announced their transportation grants program is closed – just 10 business days after the initial announcement. The Michigan Humanities Council received 69 grant applications requesting more than $34,000 to help pay for schools to travel to arts and cultural programs or exhibits in Michigan, but the program had only $20,000 in funds available.
Transportation Grant Program Now Closed

October 15, 2008, 9:15 am

As of October 15, 2008, the funding allotment for transportation grants has been exhausted. Demand has far exceeded funds available, thank you for your interest!
K-12 Schools can apply for Transportation Grants to Cultural Events

October 6, 2008, 12:15 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) provide transportation grants of up to $500 to Michigan K-12 schools. The grant helps underwrite the transportation cost of a field trip to attend Michigan Humanities Council- and/or MCACA-funded museums, galleries, cultural venues, and programs such as music, dance, theatre performances, and cultural/art exhibits.
Listen to September 2008 Arts & Humanities Radio Reports

October 6, 2008, 12:14 pm

In September, Michigan Public Radio broadcast seven arts and humanities reports, including: a report of people who belong to both the hearing world and the deaf world; guitar-maker Jan Burda, local currency in the Grand Traverse area, and Earthworks... Each month, Michigan Public Radio produces arts and humanities radio features broadcast across the Michigan Public Radio network. The features are archived on the MHC website... Tune in!
Picturing America in Michigan Museum Partnership available

October 6, 2008, 12:14 pm

Picturing America in Michigan is a collection of programs for Michigan’s 955 schools participating in Picturing America, a National Endowment for the Humanities initiative the helps students gain a deeper understanding of American history through the study and understanding of its art. For 2008-09, Picturing America in Michigan programs include a museum partnership, teacher seminar series, and documentary film program.
Poetry Out Loud Contest Open For High Schools

September 15, 2008, 5:23 pm

The 4th annual Poetry Out Loud poetry recitation competition is open to all high school students. Participating high schools will receive curriculum materials and audio CDs of recitations. If interested, contact the Council by Nov. 1.
$15,000 awarded to Rudyard Area Schools to record, learn about local history

September 8, 2008, 3:00 pm

The Council awarded $15,000 to Rudyard Area Schools for "Expanding Our Boundaries with Experiential Humanities." This project will allow Eastern Upper Peninsula students to explore new ideas and cultures by writing and illustrating beginner reader books.
June, July, and August 2008 Arts & Humanities Radio Reports

September 8, 2008, 2:56 pm

Each month, Michigan Public Radio produces arts and humanities radio features. Recent features include: a film program for underserved kids, the preview of three different types of summer Art Fairs, and a dialogue with the Community Farm of Ann Arbor....
Applications to Be Listed in the 2009-2012 Arts & Humanities Touring Directory Available on September 15

August 18, 2008, 10:23 am

Applications will be available on the Michigan Humanities Council website on September 15, 2008, for individuals or groups interested in being listed in the 2009-2012 Arts & Humanities Touring Directory.
Watch the "Michigan Youth Arts Festival" arts & humanities video

August 18, 2008, 10:22 am

A new video clip is available featuring the Michigan Youth Arts Festival in Kalamazoo. The Michigan Youth Arts Festival is an annual showcase that recognizes, supports and celebrates the artistic excellence of young artists in Michigan.
$6,000 Awarded to WMU for Fort St. Joseph Open House July 26-27

July 29, 2008, 2:38 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council awarded a $6,000 grant to the Western Michigan University for the 3rd annual Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Open House, to be held on Saturday and Sunday, July 26-27, 2008, in the city of Niles.
Photos and audio recording of Michigan Author Homecoming available

July 18, 2008, 3:10 pm

An audio recording of the Michigan Author Homecoming is now available to download, as well as added to the Great Michigan Read podcast subscriptions. Photos of the event are also available.
Michigan Author Homecoming with Richard Ford, Thomas McGuane, and Jim Harrison

July 18, 2008, 3:09 pm

The Michigan Author Homecoming, the Michigan Humanities Council's concluding event for The Great Michigan Read, drew an over-capacity crowd of 700 or more on July 10, 2008.
Review Touring Program Applications

July 18, 2008, 3:09 pm

Reviewers are needed to assist the Arts & Humanities Touring Program’s next adjudication of applications and materials from performing artist and humanities interpreters seeking inclusion in the 2009-2012 Michigan Arts & Humanities Touring Directory.
Richard Ford, Jim Harrison, and Thomas McGuane return to Michigan for July 10 event

July 18, 2008, 3:08 pm

On July 10, 2008, the Michigan Humanities Council will host a Michigan Author Homecoming with critically acclaimed authors Richard Ford, Jim Harrison, and Thomas McGuane at the Wharton Center at Michigan State University (MSU).
Last time to see The Great Michigan Read exhibit, in Flint now through July 7

July 18, 2008, 3:07 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council announces that the exhibit, Up North with the Hemingways, is currently on public display at the Alfred P. Sloan Museum (1221 E. Kearsley St., Flint) through July 7, 2008.
Listen to March, May, and April 2008 Arts & Humanities Radio Reports

July 18, 2008, 3:07 pm

Each month, Michigan Public Radio produces arts and humanities radio features broadcast across the Michigan Public Radio network. Recent features include: an audio about The Great Michigan Read and Valerie Hemingway, and more.
Limited Time Offer: Free Arts & Humanities Touring Directories

July 18, 2008, 3:06 pm

For a limited time, the Michigan Humanities Council is waiving the shipping and handling fee on copies of the 2006-2009 Arts and Humanities Touring Program Directory. To request a directory, please contact the Council at 517-372-7770.
$60,000 awarded for PRIME TIME reading program in Detroit, Saginaw, and South Haven

July 18, 2008, 3:04 pm

The MHC received a $60,000 award to implement the PRIME TIME program at four Michigan libraries: Butman-Fish Branch, Saginaw; Campbell Branch Library, Detroit; Hoyt Public Library, Saginaw; and, South Haven Memorial Library, South Haven.
$8,050 Awarded to Kalamazoo Institute of Arts for Humanities Project

July 18, 2008, 3:03 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council awarded a $8,050 grant to the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts for the project, Perspectives On Place. The grant will support a comparison between two exhibits about the impact of deindustrialization on Midwest communities.
$136,000 Awarded for 13 Humanities Programs

July 18, 2008, 3:00 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council recently awarded $135,774 for 13 public humanities programs: 9 awards for Michigan People, Michigan Places … Our Stories, Our Lives grants; and 4 awards for The Great Michigan Read grants.
Charles White Advances to Poetry Out Loud National Finals

July 18, 2008, 2:59 pm

Michigan's 2008 Poetry Out Loud winner, Charles White (Forest Hills Central High School, Grand Rapids) successfully advanced as one of 12 finalists in the national Poetry Out Loud competition.
Valerie Hemingway Six Stop Michigan Tour

July 18, 2008, 2:59 pm

Valerie Hemingway, author of Running with the Bulls, a memoir of her years as Ernest Hemingway’s secretary and her later marriage to his son, will tour Lansing, Hamtramck, Grand Rapids, Marquette, Traverse City, and Saginaw from April 23-29.
Valerie Hemingway Opens To Capacity Crowd in Lansing

July 18, 2008, 2:57 pm

Valerie Hemingway kicked off her Michigan Tour with a full crowd at the Michigan Library and Historical Center in Lansing on April 23.
$49,772 Awarded for Arts & Humanities Touring Programs

July 18, 2008, 2:57 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council recently awarded $49,772 in Arts and Humanities Touring Program grants to Michigan organizations to support 142 artistic and cultural presentations in 28 counties between April 1 and September 30, 2008.
Watch the "Songwriters Retreat" arts & humanities video

July 18, 2008, 2:56 pm

A clip is available featuring the Songwriters annual retreat in Northern Michigan. Fifteen videos reflecting Michigan's diverse arts and cultural programs are available for download.
Steelcase Foundation Awards $10,000; Frey Foundation Awards $5,000 for The Great Michigan Read

July 18, 2008, 2:56 pm

The Michigan Humanities Council is the recipient of $15,000 to support The Great Michigan Read. The Steelcase Foundation awarded the MHC $10,000 and the Frey Foundation awarded the MHC $5,000. Both foundations are based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
"Bijou Orchestra" Video Short Named Best Video

July 18, 2008, 2:55 pm

The Michigan Association of Broadcasters named the "Bijou Orchestra" video as the 2007 Best video for Cultural and Performing Arts in the Public Television Category.
Directory of Humanities Professionals

July 18, 2008, 2:49 pm

The directory is a free on-line database of qualified professionals available to project directors and program coordinators to help them locate Michigan resource persons to assist in developing public humanities programs

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