Humanities Festival Week revised

In celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month, the New Jersey Council for the Humanities (NJCH) is calling for proposals on the theme of A Taste of New Jersey: Cultures and Culinary Traditions. NJCH invites libraries, museums, historical societies, and religious and community organizations to submit applications that examine this theme. New Jersey has a rich history of immigration; its population is among the most diverse in the nation. As you explore New Jersey’s food customs, you might want to consider:

What kinds of food traditions exist in your community?
How have immigrant groups influenced these traditions?
How and why do different cultures cultivate and prepare food?
What is the role and significance of food in cultural ceremonies and celebrations?
How does the practice of sharing a meal bond families and communities?
What role does food play in the folklore of different cultures?

NJCH encourages applicants to reach out to various local community groups, fostering lively and informed dialogue.

Humanities Festival Grant programs must use any of the humanities disciplines, such as literature, history, comparative religion, art history, folklore and ethnic studies. The Council is open to a variety of formats (e.g., lecture and discussion, oral histories, walking tours, reading and discussion programs, and storytelling).

NJCH will award funds through a competitive process in support of these projects. To be eligible for NJCH support, projects must meet the following criteria:

All programs must be open to the public, free of charge, and scheduled during the month of October 2008.
Applicants must be registered New Jersey nonprofit organizations.
The humanities must be central to the project.
Applicants must present a plan for attracting a diverse audience.
Programs must be introduced by a person possessing at least a master’s degree in a humanities discipline, such as history, philosophy, literature, ethnic studies, folklore, architecture, art and music history, comparative religion or in a related field such as library science, who will provide a context for the program.

Applicants must complete and return the 2008 Humanities Festival Grant Application to NJCH postmarked no later than June 16, 2008. The completed application should include:

A brief summary of the planned program or project, including the format and an explanation of how the project supports and amplifies this year’s theme.
The name(s) and a biographical sketch of the presenter(s) or other program facilitator(s), including previous public programming experience.
A description of the size and composition of the anticipated audience. We encourage programs for all ages and diverse cultural backgrounds.
The plan for marketing the program and attracting the audience.
The budget for program expenses. NJCH will award up to $500 in support of the program.

If your project is funded, you will be required to comply with federal nondiscrimination statutes and implementing regulations. Award decisions will be made by July 31, 2008.

If your project is awarded a Humanities Festival Grant:

Successful applicants will receive an award letter, grant agreement, and administrative materials.
Full payment of funds will be made upon receipt of the following items:

The signed agreement forms
A draft of publicity that illustrates how the NJCH logo will be used and how NJCH will be acknowledged
Copies of letters announcing the award to your government representatives
Completed audit form
Certificate of liability insurance showing NJCH as additional insured

An audience survey form will be provided for distribution at your program.
A final report will be due by January 30, 2009. It should include:

The final fiscal report
The project director’s report
A brief narrative that summarizes the humanities content and assesses the project’s success in carrying out the Humanities Festival Grant theme, engaging the audience, and reaching the targeted audience
The completed audience surveys
Five copies of all publicity materials

Questions about this initiative or the application process may be directed to Elizabeth Motts, Program Officer, at the New Jersey Council for the Humanities: (888) FYI-NJCH or e-mail emotts@njch.org.

Announcement!

We are pleased to let you know that NJCH is bringing a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit, Key Ingredients: America by Food, to six venues in the state: Historic Walnford, Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage and The Borough of Woodbine, Tuckerton Seaport, Woodbury Public Library, Morris County Historical Society, and The New Jersey State Museum. The exhibition, which will tour New Jersey from May 2008 through March 2009, uses photographs, illustrations, and artifacts to explore American culture through foodways: the procurement, preparation, and presentation of the

foods we eat.

For more information about the exhibit, please visit http://www.njch.org/AmericaByFood.html or contact Mary Grace Whealan at mwhealan@njch.org or 888-FYI-NJCH.