Michigan Humanities Council

1. Michigan Humanities Council Overview BOARD ORIENTATION February 22, 2012 Michigan Humanities Council 2011 ALA Annual Conference New Orleans, LA June 25, 2011

2. Michigan Humanities Council Mission To connect people and communities by fostering and supporting high-quality cultural programs.

3. Michigan Humanities Council Purpose of Grants: The Council encourages and supports a variety of activities that bring communities and scholars together to: • Reflect and learn from our cultural heritage • Cultivate a shared understanding of current events and concerns • Build stronger, more thoughtful communities for the future

4. Michigan Humanities Council Key Partners • National Endowment for the Humanities • National Endowment for the Arts • Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs • W. K. Kellogg Foundation • Meijer • Michigan Council of Foundations • American Library Association & Library of Michigan • Universities, schools, libraries and museums • Local historical societies

5. Michigan Humanities Council MHC Program Overview • Grants: Major, Planning & Quick • Great Michigan Read • Prime Time Family Reading Time • Arts & Humanities Touring Program • Poetry Out Loud • The Way We Worked (Smithsonian & National Archives Touring Exhibit) • Making Sense of the Civil War (Community Reading & Book Discussions)

6. Michigan Humanities Council Great Michigan Read Briefly: Biennial, statewide reading program featuring a single work of literature by a Michigan author and about Michigan Goals: • Encourage Michiganians to come together around important humanities themes • Explore Michigan authors and literature, and • Develop an appreciation for different perspectives and cultures

7. Michigan Humanities Council Grants Program • Major grants: up to $15,000; Fall and Spring • Planning grants: up to$1,000 • Quick grants: up to $500 • Arts & Humanities Touring Grants: up to $3,000 • Prime Time: $16,000 over 3-year period • All grants require a match • Awarded annually approx. $500,000

8. Michigan Humanities Council Prime Time Family Reading Time Description: A 6-8 week family storytellingand discussion program for non-library users; pre-reading activities for preschoolers Goals: • Include parents as integral part of their children’s learning • Increase literacy rates; stem tide of intergenerational illiteracy • Cultivate high-academic performers • Increase appreciation and understanding of the humanities

9. Michigan Humanities Council Arts & Humanities Touring Program Briefly: Partnership with Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs to offer grants to local nonprofits and schools to host performing artists, storytellers, scholars and authors Goal: Ensure access to high-quality arts & humanities programming throughout the state for all Michigan families Funding: approx. $75,000 a year; 200+ grants

10. Michigan Humanities Council Poetry Out Loud Briefly: Annual high school poetry recitation competition Goals: • Learn about great poetry through memorization and performance • Master public speaking skills • Build self-confidence • Explore our literary heritage Participation: Over 50 high schools and 6,500 students

11. Michigan Humanities Council The Way We Worked Briefly: Smithsonian traveling exhibit examining American work culture; part of national Museum on Main Street (MoMS) rural exhibit initiative Goals: Provide high-quality exhibits and program assistance to often underserved rural populations; increase capacity building for rural venues Funding: Approximately $50,000 over three years

12. Michigan Humanities Council Making Sense of the Civil War Briefly: NEH and American Library Association sponsored program offered to each state council; includes 100 sets of books (3/set) to host reading and book discussions around the state. Goals: Encourage discussion and better understanding of the Civil War and its legacy in commemorating its sesquicentennial anniversary. Funding: $10,000 for administration, honoraria, postage and travel during 2012. Final report due in 2013, although encouraged to continue discussions through 2015.

13. Michigan Humanities Council MHC Communication Strategy • Monthly E-Newsletter “Michigan Stories” • Monthly “Happenings” email to promote upcoming events and opportunities • Special edition emails celebrating historical events, i.e., Michigan’s 175th birthday, African American History Month • News Releases promoting grant awards, partnerships and upcoming programs • Comcast quarterly interviews • Quarterly postcard mailings

14. Michigan Humanities Council MHC Communication Strategy • Website • Facebook • Annual report • Starting quarterly print/digital publication for 2013 to foster understanding of humanities • Sponsorships that provide high visibility • Displays & outreach at conferences & events • Presentations to community groups

15. Michigan Humanities Council How Can Communities Partner? • Apply for grants to support local school & community-based cultural programs • Establish Prime Time Family Reading Program with local library or school • Encourage area schools and non-profits to apply for MHC programs & grants • Participate in Great Michigan Read • Identify host site for future traveling exhibits and volunteer as organizers or docents • Promote programming & sponsor local events

16. Michigan Humanities Council Learn more… • Visit MHC website: michiganhumanities.org • Subscribe to our monthly MICHIGAN STORIES E-newsletter:mistories@mihumanities.org • Learn about upcoming events around the state through HAPPENINGS, distributed monthly by email or available on website

17. Michigan Humanities Council Contact us: Michigan Humanities Council 119 Pere Marquette Drive Lansing, MI 48912 T: 517-372-7770www.michiganhumanities.org