August 2009 e-Newsletter

LEH announces budget, deadline and program cuts

In the wake of a devastating cut in state funds of $850,000, or 44%, to the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, LEH President and Executive Director Michael Sartisky announced the following unfortunate but necessary reductions and eliminations in LEH-funded projects:

Eliminate 4 grant deadlines.
Reduce the number of Prime Time family literacy sites by 50%, a total of 15-20 library and school sites, mostly in spring 2010.
Reduce the number of planned RELIC library reading and discussion programs by 50%, a total of 15-20 library sites, mostly in spring 2010.
Reduce the press run for Louisiana Cultural Vistas - the LEH's highly acclaimed feature magazine for Louisiana history and culture, by one third or 15,000 readers.
Reduce production of new American Routes national radio programs by 50%, a loss of 13 two-hour programs.
Cut in fees paid to writers preparing entries for KnowLA, the LEH's new on-line encyclopedia of Louisiana history and culture, scheduled to be launched in 2010.
Reduce by half the number of Louisiana Publishing Initiative grants.
Eliminate an associate director and several consultants for Prime Time.

Grant deadline cancellations for 2009-2010 include:

Outreach Grants - Sept. 15, Jan. 15, and March 15
All 2009 Fall Public Humanities grants

Remaining grants deadlines:

Teacher Institutes for Advanced Study - Oct. 1
Applications to host the Smithsonian Institution/Museum on Main Street exhibition "Journey Stories" - Oct. 1
Outreach Grants - Nov. 15
Louisiana Publishing Initiative grants - Feb. 15.

As announced in the July newsletter, the LEH is scheduled to receive $1.1 million in funds from the state in the new fiscal year that began July 1. This is down $850,000 or 44% from the fiscal year that ended June 30. In its effort to expand funding sources, the LEH has launched major initiatives to raise additional funds from the private and federal sectors. It is currently exploring funding opportunities with regional and national foundations, and with federal cultural and educational agencies.

Grants Program

LEH awards humanities grants statewide
Though due to the state cuts a third of the approved projects had to be denied funding, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities recently awarded a new round of humanities grants to community organizations and universities from Kenner to Shreveport to help fund programs ranging from Louisiana's Native American culture to a documentary radio broadcast on the history and roots of Louisiana music.

2009 Public Humanities Grants:

Baton Rouge - 2009 Louisiana Book Festival. Louisiana Library Foundation, Project Director: James Davis, Grant Amount: $17,244. Event dates: Oct. 16-17, 2009. Contact: 225-219-9503, www.louisianabookfestival.org.
Baton Rouge - Starry Messenger: Galileo's Vision in 21st Century Art. Louisiana Art and Science Museum, Project Director: Elizabeth Chubbuck Weinstein, Grant Amount: $15,000. Starry Messenger is an exhibition and public program series examining the artistic and scientific legacy of Galileo Galilei, offered in observance of the International Year of Astronomy. Event dates: Sept. 25, 2009 - February 1, 2010. Contact: 225-344-5272, www.lasm.org.
Kenner - Carrying on Louisiana's Indian Culture: Music, Crafts and Collaboration. City of Kenner, Project Director: Tracy Bruno, Grant Amount: $10,801. Carrying on Louisiana's Indian Culture is a public program series interpreting various aspects of Native American cultures from Louisiana and beyond. Event dates: Aug. 15, 2009 - June 5, 2010. Contact: 504-468-7231, www.kenner.la.us.
Lafayette - Louisiana Crossroads Season 10. Acadiana Arts Council, Project Director: Vicki Chrisman, Grant Amount: $16,000. This grant will help underwrite a series of interpretive presentations in several Acadiana cities, broadcast on KRBS 88.7 FM Radio, showcasing the history and culture of Louisiana roots music. Event dates: Sept.1, 2009 -March 31, 2010. Contact: 337-233-7060, www.louisianacrossroads.org.
New Orleans - Ancestors and Descendants: Ancient Southwestern America at the Dawn of the 20th Century - Selections from the George Pepper Native American Archive. New Orleans Museum of Art, Project Director: Paul Tarver, Grant Amount: $10,000. Ancestors and Descendants is an exhibition, interpretive catalogue, and public programs showcasing the cultures of America's Pueblo and Navajo communities. Event dates: April 1-June 30, 2010. Contact: 504-658-4100, www.noma.org.
Shreveport - Uniquely Louisiana: Collectors, Curators and Artists. Centenary College of Louisiana. Project Director: Diane Dufilho, Grant Amount: $16,134. Uniquely Louisiana is a series of exhibitions and public programs showcasing the collaboration between private collectors and museums. Event dates: Sept. 13, 2009 - May 30, 2010. Contact: 318-869-5169, www.centenary.edu/meadows.
Tallulah - A New Start on the Land: Thomastown and the Louisiana Delta Project. Madison Historical Society, Project Director: Codie Ray, Grant Amount: $5,200. This is a traveling exhibition of documentary images and interpretive text exploring the economic and social impact of New Deal-era agricultural projects in the Louisiana Delta. Event dates: Oct. 30, 2009 - April 30, 2010. Contact: 504-574-0082, codieray@att.net.

2009 Documentary Film and Radio Grants:

Baton Rouge - A Summer of Birds: John James Audubon at Oakley. Foundation for Excellence in Louisiana Public Broadcasting, Project Director: Christina Melton, Grant Amount: $26,863. A Summer of Birds is a documentary film for statewide public broadcast exploring the acclaimed naturalist's formative summer in Louisiana's West Feliciana Parish. Contact: 225-767-5660, www.lpb.org.
New Orleans - Seafood and Smoke: Cajun Culinary Traditions. Southern Food and Beverage Museum, Project Director: Kevin McCaffrey, Grant Amount: $25,000. This documentary film will survey the cultural and historical origins of south Louisiana's distinctive cuisine. Contact: 504-569-0405, www.southernfood.org.
St. Mary Parish - Still Singing the Blues. Filmmakers Collaborative, Project Director: Richard Ziglar, Grant Amount: $18,341. Still Singing the Blues is a radio documentary for statewide public broadcast investigating efforts to preserve folk blues and R&B in southern Louisiana. Contact: 781-647-1102, www.filmmakerscollab.org.

Outreach Grants:

Gonzales - The Real American Dream. Ascension Parish Library, Project Director: Dr. John May. Grant Amount: $2,433. The Real American Dream is the 10th annual series of scholar-led summer film festivals for adult audiences in Ascension Parish. Event dates: June 16-Aug. 31. Contact: 225-647-8924, main.ascension.lib.la.us.
Monroe - Highway 80 in Print. University of Louisiana at Monroe, Project Director: Cyndy Robertson, Grant Amount: $2,500. This exhibition and public programs will showcase the works of documentary photographer Lee Estes. Event dates: Aug.17-Sept. 30. Contact: 318-342-1055, www.ulm.edu/library.
Natchitoches - New Populations in Louisiana: Narrative Sessions at the 2009 Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival. Northwestern State University, Project Director: Dr. Shane Rasmussen, Grant Amount: $2,000. New Populations fostered discussion about the cultural influence of emerging ethnic communities in Louisiana. Event dates: July 17-18. Contact: 318-357-4332, www.nsula.edu/Folklife/festival.

LEH-sponsored events

Kenner: The City of Kenner and the Cannes Brûlée Native American Museum present the first in a series of interpretive public programs showcasing the traditional culture of Native American tribes of Louisiana and the Southeast. Scholars and tradition-bearers will present a program on Louisiana Native American basketry on Aug. 29 at the Rivertown Exhibition Hall, 415 Williams Boulevard, Kenner. Five additional programs are scheduled through June 2010. For more information, contact 504-468-7231.

Rural Hosts Sought for Traveling Smithsonian Exhibition

The LEH invites smaller museums, libraries and cultural institutions in towns of roughly 12,000 residents or fewer to apply to host a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition titled . This exhibition, made possible through the Museum on Main Street (MOMS) program, has been developed especially for rural audiences and small museums with limited access to traveling exhibitions due to space and cost constraints. Journey Stories will tour six small Louisiana communities in beginning in June 2011. Sites will be chosen based on geographic location, strength of proposed ideas for auxiliary events, and physical display space.

In addition to covering six-week exhibition rental fees for each selected site, the LEH will make available up to $6,500 in grant funds (consult LEH staff regarding application procedure for these funds) to each host in support of ancillary local programs.

Eligibility Requirements:

Institution is a museum, public library, or other cultural institution in a community of roughly 12,000 residents or fewer
Institution has at least 750 square feet of exhibition floor space with at least 8-foot ceilings
Institution is a non-profit organization

A detailed Request for Proposals and application forms are available at www.leh.org/html/museum.html. Applications are due Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009.

For more information about the Journey Stories tour in Louisiana, or for further details on the application and selection process, contact Journey Stories/Museum on Main Street project director Rachel Norman at 504-620-2479 or norman@leh.org.

Teacher Institutes for Advanced Study proposals sought

The LEH invites Louisiana university faculty members to submit proposals for the Oct. 1 Teacher Institutes for Advanced Study deadline. Proposals focusing on literature and world history are particularly encouraged. Due Sept. 1, draft Teacher Institute proposals are strongly encouraged, and are required for requests exceeding $30,000.

Since 1985, the LEH has sponsored 214 intensive summer seminars for more than 4,120 elementary, middle and high school teachers, who in turn teach approximately 500,000 students annually. Teacher Institutes for Advanced Study provide elementary and secondary classroom teachers with additional professional training and intellectual stimulation in the humanities. The Teacher Institute experience is an opportunity for teachers to work closely with professional humanities scholars. Ultimately, Louisiana's students benefit from teachers with advanced knowledge in their respective fields. The 2010 institutes will take place in June and July. The LEH invites proposals designed for elementary and secondary teachers.

For more information, contact program officer Erik Charpentier, PhD, at 800-909-7990 x125 or charpentier@leh.org.

PRIME TIME Family Reading Time

July 2009 PRIME TIME Training Workshop Was a Success
The July 18-19 PRIME TIME Training Workshop was a great success. Due to cuts in the LEH's state funding, the workshop was smaller than usual, hosting approximately 40 participants from Florida, Georgia and Louisiana. Trainees joined the PRIME TIME staff and experienced consultants at the Louisiana Humanities Center in New Orleans for two days of intense instruction and practice on the program's model, methodology and implementation strategies. The weekend proved to be enlightening and fun as participants left New Orleans well prepared for their PRIME TIME programs set to take place during the fall 2009.

The LEH and PRIME TIME thank the Loews New Orleans and Hilton St. Charles Avenue Hotels for partnering with us on this event. For additional details on future PRIME TIME training opportunities, please contact Shantrell Adams.

PRIME TIME Trains Teams for French Programs
Program coordinators, scholars and storytellers selected to work with the fall 2009 French pilot sites were trained at the July 2009 Training Workshop. French team members learned all about their PRIME TIME roles as well as the unique nature of their fall programs. The workshop also served as an opportunity for the team members to meet one another, the PRIME TIME staff, and contacts at the French Consulate. Aude Ghespiere, Attachée de cooperation at the New Orleans French Consulate and a key fundraiser for the project, also attended the workshop to assist and support the trainees. Click here for the full press release.

Funding for the project was provided by the LEH, Consulat General of France in New Orleans, Embassy of France/French Cultural Services, La Fondation Louisiane, Fondation CODOFIL, and Louisiana State University. Contact Miranda Restovic for more information.

Fall 2009 French Programs:

Lafayette
Prairie Elementary
Sept. 15 - Oct. 20
Tuesdays, 6 p.m.
Program Coordinator: Gwen Lewis
Scholar: Jennifer Miguez
Storyteller: Valerie Broussard

Houma
Lafourche Parish Public Library
Sept.16 - Oct. 21
Wednesdays, 6 p.m.
Program Coordinator: Allison Clark
Scholar: Robin White
Storyteller: Mel Baudoin

New Orleans
International School
Oct. 20 - Nov. 24
Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.
Program Coordinator: Pamela Stewart
Scholar: Robin White
Storyteller: Katy Ancelet

PRIME TIME travels the state for the 10th annual LALAMP conference
The Louisiana Library & Media Professionals, or LALAMP, will host its annual LALAMP state tour Sept.14-18, 2009. PRIME TIME staff will join other exhibitors to meet librarians from around the state and to survey these professionals about their programming needs. In Louisiana approximately 50% of the PRIME TIME programs are implemented in schools.

LALAMP was created ten years ago to provide Louisiana librarians with opportunities to continue their professional development, and to offer additional resources through exhibits and workshops. The dates, sites and attending staff members for LALAMP 2009 are listed below. Details about the locations and programs are available at www.lalamp.org.

Sept.14-New Orleans Area (Miranda Restovic and Shantrell Adams)
Sept.15- Baton Rouge Area (Dr. Olivia Pass)
Sept.16-Lake Charles Area (Dr. Olivia Pass)
Sept.17-Alexandria Area (Faye Flanagan)
Sept.18- Ruston Area (Dianne Brady)

RELIC: Readings in Literature and Culture

The LEH's "Readings in Literature and Culture," or RELIC, program has scheduled 17 adult reading programs in libraries throughout Louisiana on topics that range from the "Native American World of the Southeastern U.S." to "Queen Elizabeth I of England and Her Times."

Abita Springs, St. Tammany Parish Library, 985-893-6280. "The Native American World of the Southeastern United States." Wednesdays, Oct. 7-Nov. 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Alexandria, Westside Regional Branch, Rapides Parish Library. 318-445-2411. "Elizabeth I of England and Her Times." Tuesdays, Sept. 15-Oct. 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Bastrop, Morehouse Parish Library, 318-281-3696. "Where Is North Louisiana?" Tuesdays, Sept. 1-Oct. 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Columbia, Caldwell Parish Library. 318-649-2259. "Battleground Louisiana: Civil War Events and Experiences." Mondays, Sept. 14-Oct. 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Farmerville, Union Parish Library. 318-368-9288. "The Native American World of the Southeastern United States." Thursdays, Oct. 8-Nov 12, 6-8 p.m.
Gonzales, Ascension Parish Library. 225-647-8924. "Elizabeth I of England and Her Times." Tuesdays, Sept. 22-Oct. 27, 6-8 p.m.
Houma, Terrebonne Parish Library. 985-876-5861. "I'll Be Seeing You... America and World War II." Wednesdays, Oct.14-Nov 18, 10 a.m.-noon.
Many, Sabine Parish Library. 318-256-4150. "Elizabeth I of England and Her Times." Tuesdays, Sept. 8-Oct. 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
New Iberia, Parkview Branch, Iberia Parish Library. 337-364-7150. "The Louisiana Purchase: Impact and Legacy." Thursdays, Oct. 1-Nov. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Ringgold, Bienville Parish Library. 318-263-7410. "Louisiana History: Perspectives on the Pelican State." Tuesdays, Oct. 20-Nov. 24, 6-8 p.m.
Ruston, Lincoln Parish Library. 318-251-5030. "Battleground Louisiana: Civil War Events and Experiences." Tuesdays, Sept.15-Oct. 20, 6-8 p.m.
Shreveport, The University of First Presbyterian Church. 318-222-0604. "Encounter in Louisiana." Thursdays, Sept. 24-Oct. 29, 6-8 p.m.
Shreveport, Hamilton/South Caddo Branch, Caddo Parish Library. 318-687-6824. "Folktales and Stories of the South and Louisiana." Thursdays, Sept. 10-Oct. 15, 6-8 p.m.
Slidell, St. Tammany Parish Library. 504-646-6470. "I'll Be Seeing You... America and World War II." Tuesdays, Sept. 22-Oct. 27, 6-8 p.m.
Stonewall, Desoto Parish Library. 318-925-9191. "Battleground Louisiana: Civil War Events and Experiences." Thursdays, Sept. 10-Oct. 15, 4-6 p.m.
Vidalia, Concordia Parish Library. 318-757-3550. "Where Is North Louisiana?" Thursdays, Aug. 13-Sept. 17, 6-8 p.m.
Winnfield, Winn Parish Library. 318-628-4478. "The Creole Identity and Experience in Louisiana Literature and History." Tuesdays, Sept. 15-Oct. 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

LCV nominated for top press club awards

Louisiana Cultural Vistas writers and photographers were finalists in seven categories in the Press Club of New Orleans annual awards competition. The award categories and nominated LCV entries were:

Multi-Feature Photograph:

"Eye of the Storm" by Sandra Burshell (Fall 2008)
"The Enduring Performance of Michael P. Smith" by Michael P. Smith (Winter 2008)
"After the Flood" by Robert Polidori (Summer 2008)
"40 Days and 40 Nights" by Donn Young (Spring 2008)
Column:
"Louisiana Foodways" by Jessica Harris (all issues, 2008)

Critical Review:

"The Roots and Radicalism of Rap Music" (music review) by Ben Sandmel (Fall 2008)

Entertainment:

"The Enduring Performance of Michael P. Smith" by Jason Berry (Winter 2008).

Results of the competition will be announced in the LEH's September newsletter. Back issues of Louisiana Cultural Vistas may be viewed online at www.leh.org.

LEH names new grants director

Effective July 2009, Rachel Norman, formerly Assistant Director of Grants, has been named Director of Grants. In addition to overseeing LEH's five major grants programs, she serves as program officer for Public Humanities projects in museums and as project director of Journey Stories/Museum on Main Street. Senior Program Officer Walker Lasiter continues to supervise the Documentary Film and Radio grants, as well as festival, informance, and conference projects within the Public Humanities program. Assistant Director Erik Charpentier, PhD, continues as program officer for Teacher Institutes for Advanced Study, and also will serve as program officer for the Outreach program.

From:	Michael Sartisky <msartisky@leh.org>
Subject:	News from LEH
Reply:	msartisky@leh.org