Free workshop for non-profit groups that contribute to humanities-related activity in southern Illinois

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chicago – July 14, 2015 – Illinois Humanities invites representatives of nonprofit organizations involved in cultural activity to attend its grants and programs workshop at the Harrisburg District Library, 2 West Walnut Street in Harrisburg, on Friday, July 24, from 9:30 AM to approximately 11:30 AM.

The workshop will be open to anyone affiliated with libraries, museums, historical societies, arts councils, tourism bureaus, or other groups that contribute to humanities-related activity in southern Illinois.  Teachers and school administrators will also be welcome to attend.

Admission will be free of charge.  Illinois Humanities advises anyone who wishes to participate to register in advance here, to send a message to events@ilhumanities.org, or to call (312) 422-5580.

Members of the staff of Illinois Humanities (formerly the Illinois Humanities Council) will provide information about the organization’s Community Grants program.  It offers financial support to nonprofit organizations for the development of public cultural programs, as well as technical assistance and general support for humanities-oriented organizations.

During the workshop, staff members will offer advice about the grant application process and will be available to discuss potential projects for which participants might wish to seek funding.

The workshop will also include discussion of several other Illinois Humanities programs open to people and organizations in southern Illinois, including the following:

• Small-group discussions about current events contemporary issues, which take place monthly in Golconda, Vienna, and Carbondale;
• Capitol Forum, a year-long civic education program for high school social studies classes that culminates in a statewide gathering;
• The Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau, which enables local cultural organizations to host compelling, free-admission humanities presentations at little cost to them; and
• Museum on Main Street, a partnership between Illinois Humanities and the Smithsonian Institutions that offers organizations in small communities opportunities to present Smithsonian-designed exhibits on major themes in American culture.

Additionally, the workshop will be an opportunity for representatives of local and regional cultural organizations to make contacts with Illinois Humanities and with one another and to discuss potential opportunities to collaborate.

“We’re eager to visit our friends in southeastern Illinois and to get acquainted or reacquainted with organizations that contribute to the cultural richness of this historically significant region of our state,” said Matt Meacham, program coordinator with Illinois Humanities.

Those who have questions about the workshop may contact Matt Meacham at (312) 422-5589 or matt.meacham@ilhumanities.org or Mark Hallett, program manager, at (312) 374-1555 or mark.hallett@ilhumanities.org.

 

About Illinois Humanities
Illinois Humanities is an independent, nonprofit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, with a mission to strengthen society by fueling inquiry and conversation about the ideas and works that shape our culture. Illinois Humanities engages communities across Illinois in conversation in a variety of humanities programs that focus on Public Policy, Media & Journalism, Business, and Art. Illinois Humanities lowers barriers to participation and offers access to programs, events, and grants to all Illinoisans, regardless of their economic resources, cultural background, or geographic location. Illinois Humanities is supported by state, federal, and private funds. For more, visit www.ILhumanities.org.