AMESSAGEFROMOURBOARDCHAIR, MARYPOMCLAIBORNE

I am pleased to share this annual report with you on how Humanities Tennessee (HT) has impacted the State of Tennessee during the 2021-2022 fiscal year Like so many others, this time period found us anticipating the ‘other side’ of the pandemic a time when we could again gather safely. Didn’t it take longer than we all thought possible?

During such uncertainty, our staff and board continued to prioritize resources and support for Tennessee’s cultural organizations. We found creative ways to empower local libraries to feature live author readings through social media. Local volunteers mobilized to pursue neighborhood stories never-before explored. Organizations across the state put grant funds to use to save jobs, create new virtual programs, and document significant historical narratives. And, the Southern Festival of Books and Chapter16 org kept Tennesseans engaged with the literary work of our state and region Through such a challenging time, we pursued creative ways to stay connected, strengthened our team and programs, and helped amplify the work of Tennessee’s cultural sector

We also used this time to complete a new 5-year strategic plan, rooted in value outcomes to drive our work and guide our decision-making. With the guiding values of shared knowledge, empowerment, equity, civility, and community, we envision a future in which Tennesseans seek knowledge, share stories, and unite with empathy to create more connected communities.

HT will soon celebrate 50 years serving Tennesseans. We look forward to exploring the journey so far, hearing your stories and memories from programs past, and most especially, dreaming of what the cultural life and literature of Tennessee looks like in the years to come

We thank you for your support and invite your participation in the weeks, years, and decades ahead!

Mary Pom Claiborne, Board Chair Director, Marketing, Development & Communications Knoxville County Public Library System

Mission

To foster community and civility in Tennessee through public programs and partnerships that examine and reflect upon ideas, stories, history, arts, and culture