Initiatives
Louisiana Poet Laureate Alison Pelegrin Receives Prestigious National Fellowship
The Academy of American Poets has awarded Louisiana’s Alison Pelegrin a prestigious Poet Laureate Fellowship supporting poetry programming across Louisiana.
Read MoreNominations for the 2025 Humanities Awards Open Now
On August 1 public nominations open for the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities’ 40th annual Humanities Awards.
Read MoreApplications for Gustave Blache III Art Scholarships Opening November 27
Applications for the Gustave Blache III Art Scholarships supporting the 2024-5 school year will open November 27, 2023, and close December 18, 2023.
Read MoreInaugural Reading with Louisiana Poet Laureate Alison Pelegrin
Join the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities in welcoming Louisiana’s newest poet laureate, Alison Pelegrin, at her inaugural reading in the post on October 4, 2023.
Read MoreAnnouncing Louisiana’s Next Poet Laureate
The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, along with Gov. John Bel Edwards, is proud to announce Louisiana’s newest Poet Laureate, Alison Pelegrin.
Read MoreFour Sites Receive Grants to Host “Iron Sharpens Iron” Currents Program
LEH’s popular reading and discussion series, Currents, which includes the book club programs “Who Gets to Vote?” and “Witness to Change,” expands to include a film discussion program on “Iron Sharpens Iron.”
Read MoreEmergency Preparedness & Response Workshops This Summer Across Louisiana
This June join the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Louisiana Association of Museums, and cultural heritage specialist Rebecca Elder for Culture Ready LA, a series of day-long workshops that will be held across the state on planning for emergencies involving nonprofit cultural organizations.
Read MoreNominations Sought for New Louisiana Poet Laureate
The LEH, authorized by the Governor and State of Louisiana, is seeking nominations for Louisiana’s next Poet Laureate. The public is welcome to submit recommendations now through February 16, 2023.
Read MoreFive Sites to Host Currents Reading and Discussion Programs in 2023
Beginning in January 2023 five sites will host programs from LEH’s Currents reading and discussion program series, centered on timely humanities topics and hosted by libraries and other community-based nonprofits.
Read More“Iron Sharpens Iron” to Screen at 2022 New Orleans Film Festival
We’re pleased to announce that the LEH-produced documentary “Iron Sharpens Iron” has been selected to screen at the 2022 New Orleans Film Festival (NOFF).
Read MoreTwo Screenings of “Iron Sharpens Iron” in Plaquemines Parish
“Iron Sharpens Iron” (2022) chronicles Ironton’s fight against the development of the Plaquemines Liquids Terminal (PLT) atop land that includes the community’s ancestral burial grounds, as well as the destruction wrought by Hurricane Ida.
Read More“Who Gets to Vote” 2022 Schedule of Programs Announced
LEH’s Who Gets to Vote? Conversations on Voting Rights in America is a book club program focused on fostering conversations about the history of voting—and efforts to suppress the vote—in the United States.
Read MorePremiere of New LEH-produced Documentary June 8
“Iron Sharpens Iron”, a new documentary by John Richie and produced by the LEH set to premiere June 8, captures the community of Ironton’s struggles against racism, industrial encroachment, and extreme weather.
Read MoreSmithsonian Exhibit Examining Voting Rights Coming to Towns Across Louisiana
The exhibition “Voices and Votes” is the centerpiece of Who Gets to Vote?, a statewide LEH initiative focused on civic engagement.
Read MoreVirtual Event on Changing Role of the Black Press in Louisiana Life
On Wednesday, May 18, join us for a free, virtual forum on the changing role of the Black press in Louisiana and American life.
Read MoreLEH to host virtual program on coastal land loss and culture
Join 64 Parishes and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities for a candid conversation on how extreme weather and coastal land loss are affecting culture, community, and tradition across South Louisiana.
Read MoreInaugural reading with Louisiana Poet Laureate Mona Lisa Saloy
On Wednesday, September 29, at 7 p.m., join the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities in welcoming Louisiana’s newest poet laureate, Mona Lisa Saloy, at her inaugural reading in the post.
Read MoreIntroducing Louisiana’s next Poet Laureate: Mona Lisa Saloy
The LEH and Governor John Bel Edwards are proud to announce Louisiana’s newest Poet Laureate, Mona Lisa Saloy. Following John Warner Smith’s successful tenure as poet laureate from 2019 through August 13 of this year, Saloy will assume the post beginning August 14 and serve for two years.
Read MoreCongratulations to Paul Michael Wright, Inaugural Gustave Blache III Art Scholarship Winner
We are pleased to announce that Paul Michael Wright, the first recipient of the Gustave Blache III Art Scholarship for Aspiring Artists to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in illustration at the School of Visual Arts, completed his degree in May.
Read MoreSmithsonian’s “Water/Ways” exhibition begins new tour May 29
The new tour of Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street exhibition “Water/Ways” opens Saturday, May 29, at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve’s Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center in Thibodaux.
Read MorePoetry in a Pandemic: John Warner Smith on His Unusual Tenure as Louisiana Poet Laureate
Join Louisiana Poet Laureate John Warner Smith for a conversation with Baton Rouge-based spoken-word poet Chancelier “xero” Skidmore on poetry and the pandemic.
Read MoreLEH to host Martha S. Jones in Conversation with Leslie Harris
On Wednesday, April 21, join the LEH and Leslie Harris for a conversation with Martha Jones on her groundbreaking book “Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All,” as part of Who Gets to Vote?
Read MoreLEH Accepting Nominations for Louisiana’s Next Poet Laureate
The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, authorized by the Governor and State of Louisiana, is seeking nominations for Louisiana’s next Poet Laureate.
Read MoreMellon Foundation Grant Supports New “Who Gets to Vote?” Initiative
Thanks to support from the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the LEH will soon be launching in a series of public humanities programs on the history of voting—and efforts to suppress the vote—in the US.
Read MoreJoin the LEH for a virtual lecture and discussion of the legacies of the 19th Amendment
Historian Lisa Tetrault will clarify the history of women’s suffrage by positioning 1920 as the middle of a much larger story about the pursuit of voting rights, a struggle that is today unfinished and ongoing.
Read MoreLouisiana Poet Laureate John Warner Smith Awarded Prestigious Fellowship
The Academy of American Poets has awarded Louisiana Poet Laureate John Warner Smith a prestigious Laureate Fellowship, given to honor poets of literary merit serving in civic positions around the country. Smith, who was named to the Poet Laureate position in…
Read MoreSmithsonian’s Museums on Main Street to return to Louisiana
LEH accepting applications for 2021–22 Museum on Main Street Water/Ways traveling exhibition! The Smithsonian Institution and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities have partnered to bring a new tour of the powerful Museum on Main…
Read MoreInaugural reading with new Louisiana Poet Laureate October 9
Louisiana’s new Poet Laureate, John Warner Smith, will give his inaugural reading in the post Wednesday, October 9, from 6:30–7:30 p.m., at the Louisiana Humanities Center, 938 Lafayette Street in New Orleans. Admission to the event is free. Chosen by Governor…
Read MoreJohn Warner Smith Named Louisiana Poet Laureate for 2019-21
The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, along with Governor John Bel Edwards, is proud to announce Louisiana’s newest Poet Laureate, John Warner Smith. Following Jack Bedell’s successful tenure as poet laureate , Smith will assume the post beginning…
Read MoreMuseum on Main Street Arrives in Braithwaite
The Smithsonian exhibit kicks off its first of six stops throughout Louisiana.
Read More“Purchased Lives” Tour Makes Final Stop in Lake Charles
Calcasieu Parish Library hosts the final event of the 14 month exhibition.
Read More“Purchased Lives” in Lake Charles
Purchased Lives is a traveling panel exhibition exploring the history of the domestic slave trade.
Read MoreInaugural reading by new poet laureate Jack Bedell
Louisiana Humanities Center set to host selected readings from Louisiana’s new poet laureate.
Read MoreLouisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge
The free festival will feature more than 250 authors and panelists and activities for both children and adults.
Read More“Purchased Lives” in Thibodaux and New Roads
Purchased Lives is a traveling panel exhibition exploring the history of the domestic slave trade.
Read MorePhotographer Zack Smith opens his new gallery
Showcase of new space will feature premier of his recent work.
Read More“Purchased Lives” in New Iberia through Aug. 28
Purchased Lives is a traveling panel exhibition exploring the history of the domestic slave trade.
Read MoreJack Bedell Appointed 2017-19 Louisiana Poet Laureate
Southeastern professor selected by Gov. John Bel Edwards.
Read MoreNew Incubator Space for Cultural Creatives
Know a start-up that needs small office space? We have resources to help!
Read MoreLEH Sends Three Nominations to Governor for Poet Laureate
Louisiana is one step closer to naming its next poet laureate.
Read MoreLEH Seeks Poet Laureate Nominations
The LEH is seeking nominations for Louisiana’s next Poet Laureate.
Read MoreThe Frame: A Louisiana Photography Podcast
Series showcases on Louisiana photographers through free public events that are recorded and distributed as podcasts.
Read MoreFeb. 18: St. Francisville’s Writers and Readers Symposium
Louisiana Poet Laureate Peter Cooley read and discuss his poems and creative process.
Read MoreLEH Accepting Nominations for 2017-19 Poet Laureate
The LEH is seeking nominations for Louisiana’s next Poet Laureate.
Read More“Hometown Teams” in the Homestretch
“Hometown Teams” exhibition currently touring Louisiana with LEH support.
Read MoreMuseum on Main Street’s “Hometown Teams” Opens in Long Leaf
“Hometown Teams” exhibition currently touring Louisiana with LEH support.
Read MoreHometown Teams Closes Sept. 24 in Ruston
Museum on Main Street exhibition “Hometown Teams” is sponsored by the LEH and the Smithsonian Institute.
Read MoreAugust 12 – Modernist Architecture Book Talk
LEH will host a book talk The Modernist Architecture of Samuel G. and William B. Wiener.
Read MoreAugust 13 – “Hometown Teams” Hits Ruston
Lincoln Parish Library hosts “Hometown Teams” August 13 through September 24.
Read MoreLt. Gov. Nungesser Hosts “Hometown Teams” Opening in Natchitoches
Lieutenant Governor joined supporters to kick off “Hometown Teams” in Natchitoches.
Read MoreLast Days to Catch Hometown Teams in Homer – Next Up: Natchitoches!
Exhibition continues at the Claiborne Parish Library in Homer until June 18.
Read MoreMay 13: “Museum on Main Street” Pitches in Homer
The Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street honors the legendary Homer High School Pelicans.
Read MoreMay 17: Lean In to Eve Abrams’ Listening Party and Conversation
The Louisiana Humanities Center hosts a listening party and conversation on the latest episode of Unprisoned: Stories From The System.
Read MoreLove How “Studia Humanitatis” Video Illuminates Our Mission
Watch a new video illustrating for today’s audiences how the LEH shares and illuminates our culture.
Read MoreApril 14: Meet Peter Cooley, Louisiana Poet Laureate
April is National Poetry Month — read on to learn where Louisiana’s poets will perform.
Read More“Hometown Teams” Hits Home Run in Winnsboro, Races to Homer
Re-live small-town glory days through the Smithsonian’s Hometown Teams exhibitions.
Read MoreFriday, March 11, Public Unveiling of New Culture-Up! in the CBD
Councilmember LaToya Cantrell will unveil Culture-Up! at a press conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Read More“Hometown Teams” Kicks Off in Winnsboro on March 19
The Old Post Office Museum kicks off the Louisiana tour of “Hometown Teams,” a Museum on Main Street exhibition.
Read MoreMarch 22, LCV Sponsors Photographers, Culture Bearers Roundtable
Professional and amateur photographers in New Orleans prepare to hit the streets.
Read MoreMarch 31, “Latino Americans in Lafayette” Film Screening and Discussion
LEH hosts lively interchange and oral histories from Lafayette’s Latino community.
Read MoreDeadline Extended–Bring the Smithsonian to Your Hometown!
Museum on Main Street tour slots open.
Read MoreLocal Sports Celebrated in Smithsonian Exhibit
LEH calls for applications to host 2016-17 Smithsonian traveling exhibit.
Read MoreLEH Accepting Nominations for Louisiana Poet Laureate 2015-17
Nominations for new Louisiana poet laureate due Feb. 27.
Read MorePoet Laureate and LEH Celebrate Festival of Words in Grand Coteau
The 7th annual Festival of Words took place November 6–8 in Grand Coteau in St. Landry Parish.
Read More