CT Humanities awarded $20,998 in humanities project grants at its February Quick Grant deadline.
“With support from CT Humanities, Stamford’s INTEMPO will be able to bring together renowned national and statewide thought leaders to center voices of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) humanities practitioners and communities for much-needed conversations about a more equitable Connecticut,” states Angie Durrell, executive director. “INTEMPO is honored to be a trusted partner of CT Humanities and to continue spreading the message of intercultural understanding.”
Kate Schramm, director of the Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program (CCHAP) at the Connecticut Historical Society in Hartford, says, “CCHAP is thrilled to partner with artist-educator Sarada Nori to create a presentation on Kuchipudi, a form of classical dance from south India that has a wonderfully rich history and meaning.”
“CT Humanities’ funding makes it possible for audiences of all backgrounds to experience cross-cultural learning, which we hope will open up new opportunities to engage with classmates, co-workers, neighbors and friends,” explains Schramm.
“We look forward to working with CT Humanities and our new partners (Trinity Episcopal Church and the Great Meadows Conservation Trust) as we work together on the next phase of an expanded Wethersfield Heritage Walk,” says Peter Gillespie, director of planning and economic development, Town of Wethersfield.
“We are very grateful to be selected as one of the grant recipients and this Quick Grant comes at a very opportune time. The funding will allow us to share our rich history using high-quality outdoor exhibits while encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy and explore Old Wethersfield during these challenging times when visitors may not be able to visit our local museums and historic buildings,” adds Gillespie.
These six grantees present a range of projects that explore humanities themes in public spaces, across cultures and in workplaces. Dr. Jason Mancini, executive director at CT Humanities, says “CTH’s Quick Grants allow us to be responsive to community and organizational needs across our state. Connecticut is awakening from a long winter and these projects and programs will enliven our spring.”
The six organizations to receive Quick Grants this round are:
INTEMPO (Stamford, $4,999)
Voices and Actions: A Convening on DEI Centering BIPOC Leaders, Cultural Practitioners and Communities
The project will comprise a keynote address by Aaron Dworkin, a national leader on DEI in the arts; three public conversations; and closing remarks by Lila Downs, a Mexican singer-songwriter. It will be free and take place on Zoom, creating a space for nonprofit administrators, philanthropists, business leaders, artists, cultural and humanities practitioners, educators, youth, and community members to discuss the work being done to create a more equitable Connecticut.
Town of Wethersfield, Tourism Commission (Wethersfield, $4,999)
Wethersfield Heritage Walk Expansion
The Wethersfield Heritage Commission will expand the Heritage Walk Interpretive Trail to incorporate three additional sites and five interpretive panels. Funding will go toward the costs for the fabrication of the new exhibits.
Connecticut Historical Society (Hartford, 3,500)
Kuchipudi and the Indo-Colonial Context
This project is an educational and performance program at the intersection of Kuchipudi dance, Carnatic classical music and cultural history. The explanation of how traditional South Indian music was influenced by globalization and colonialism will be presented to make the music and dances understandable to diverse audience members. Following COVID-19 guidelines, the presentation will be offered online five times in June and July 2021.
Friends of Wood Memorial Library (South Windsor, $3,500)
Multimedia Online Exhibit
Funding will be used to create an online multimedia exhibit that can be utilized as a self-guided tour of Nowashe Village, an outdoor Native American museum exhibit located at Wood Memorial Library & Museum.
Connecticut Storytelling Center (New London, $2,000)
40th Annual Connecticut Storytelling Festival & Conference
The CT Storytelling Festival & Conference (April 23 – 24, 2021) is a gathering of diverse story lovers celebrating the uplifting power of the medium. This first fully virtual festival will highlight the theme of healing and multicultural storytelling performances.
New Haven Pride Center (New Haven, $2,000)
2021 LGBTQ+ Arts, Culture and Humanities Programming
The Quick Grant will fund four key areas of the center’s LGBTQ+ arts, culture, & humanities programming including, panels and discussions, days of action, trans week of visibility, and drag artist story hour. The series features educational, discursive, public service and community-building programs tailored for a broad audience and will take place between March and June 2021.
Our next Quick Grant deadline is April 5, 2021. More information can be found on our website.
