Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Risa Gilpin
Phone: (401) 273-2250
Email: risa@rihumanities.org
Rhode Island Council For The Humanities seeks speaking programs that examine African American History and Culture in Rhode Island
Calling All Speakers:
The Rhode Island Council For The Humanities is now accepting applications to enroll in Speakers Bureau EnRICHment Opportunities
The Council requests proposals from independent and/or affiliated scholars as part of On the Road to Freedom initiative. Deadline to apply: April 18, 2008.Applications to participate accepted: Now - April 18, 2008
PROVIDENCE, RI. The Rhode Island Council for the Humanities invites applications requests proposals from independent and/or affiliated scholars for public humanities programs (lectures, workshops, film discussions, etc.) to be offered as part of EnRICHment Opportunities - the Council's suitable for diverse audiences throughout Rhode Island to add to the Council's Speakers Bureau program EnRICHment Opportunities, focused on Rhode Island history and culture.
As part of its new initiative, On the Road to Freedom, which recognizes the bicentennial of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, the Council is actively seeking programs that examine the history and culture of African Americans in Rhode Island. We are also accepting applications for speakers and topics that have a Rhode Island focus, but fall outside of this subject area.
EnRICHment Opportunities offers speaking and discussion programs throughout the state. Often sought by libraries, historical societies, and other community centers, the speakers in our bureau facilitate discussions on diverse topic of general interest to Rhode Islanders. Presentations are generally 45- to 60 minutes in length, and include time for audience discussion and participation. Throughout the state, in public places like libraries, historical societies, museums, civic, community, and senior centers, EnRICHment Opportunities provides life-long learning opportunities for Rhode Islanders by engaging diverse audiences in dialogue about our State's rich heritage and the fundamental humanities conversations that are central to ensuring an informed, democratic society.
This year, the Council is looking to add topics specific to our new initiative On the Road to Freedom, which examines the history and culture of African Americans in Rhode Island from the experience of slavery through attempts to realize the dream of freedom (through acts of resistance, abolition, courage and defiance). Programs are sought that provide portraits of individuals, uncover new stories or research, look at history in fresh ways and demonstrate the centrality of African American experiences to American history and inspire us to confront the limits, as well as the promise of the American Dream.
To apply, please send: a brief description of your presentation - with title and description, and target audience (youth, adults, families, etc.) and your resume or CV to: Risa Gilpin at risa@rihumanities.org. You may also mail materials to: Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, 385 Westminster St., #2, Providence, RI 02903.
Applicants will be required to prepare a 15-minute version of their proposed talk to present at one of two audition showcases scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2008 and Saturday, May 3, 2008. Both showcases will be held from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the North Kingston Free Library.
To apply to enroll in EnRICHment Opportunities, please email a CV or resume along with a title and brief description of any presentations you would like to give to Program Director, Risa Gilpin at risa@rihumanities.org or mail materials to Risa Gilpin, Program Director, Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, 385 Westminster St., #2, Providence, RI 02903.
Interested and eligible parties are required to prepare a 15 minute version of their proposed talk to present at audition showcases scheduled at the North Kingston Free Library on Friday, April 25, 2008 and Saturday, May 3, 2008, between 10:30 am - 2:30 pm.
Speakers who are chosen to be included in the Speakers Bureau will receive a small honorarium when their program is booked. All final presentations should be roughly 45-60 minutes in length, including time for audience discussion. All must employ the perspectives of the humanities. Programs should be suitable for a general adult audience, but preferably adaptable for high school students or senior citizens as well. Humanities scholars who reside live or work in Rhode Island are eligible to apply. Applicants must be genuinely interested in addressing public audiences and be available to make presentations from 2008 to 2010.
The Rhode Island Council for the Humanities is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). For thirty-five years, the Council has provided public service to the citizens of Rhode Island through grantmaking and public programs.
Please note that the National Endowment for the Humanities guidelines - under which The Rhode Island Council operates - prohibit support of presentations directed at persuading an audience to a particular political, philosophical, religious, or ideological point of view.
For more information, contact Risa Gilpin, at 401-273-2250 or risa@rihumanities.org.
Please note: The National Endowment for the Humanities guidelines under which RICH operates prohibit support of presentations directed at persuading an audience to a particular political, philosophical, religious, or ideological point of view.