2017 HIGHLIGHTS “Knowing that readers have been changed in some way— isn’t that the purpose of writing?”
CENTER FOR THE BOOK Through innovative one-book, one-state programs like Reading Across Rhode Island and Kids Reading Across Rhode Island, writing contests, and other activities, the Center for the Book provides access to books, awakens the joy of reading, and showcases the power of books to propel critically important conversations and connect people across differences.
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- Gita Varadarajan, co-author, Save Me a Seat
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book discussions.
700 attendees at event with author Bryan Stevenson including 200 free tickets for high
2,400+ copies of Save Me a Seat delivered to 500+ children through programs at 77+ libraries,
25 students in grades 2-7 interviewed the authors through the Junior Press Corps pilot program.
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LETTERS ABOUT LITERATURE
437 students in Grades 4-12 submitted letters to the Library of Congress contest.
Senator Jack Reed Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
Our thanks to Matthew Ferrara Photography, Amy Barrett, and all of our grantees who have contributed photographs.
Touba Ghadessi, PhD, Vice Chair Jean Patiky, Secretary Gina McDonald, CPA, Treasurer Reenie Barrow Phoebe Bean, MLS
RHODE TOUR.ORG
Shawn Christian,
4 print maps produced and distributed through Go Providence and the Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism •
CATALYZING NEWPORT In 2017, this pilot initiative for 7+ organizations brought nationally known Catalysts worked with hundreds of participants to address pressing civic challenges, enhance the local and state economy, and build community connections in Newport.
classrooms, and summer events.
550 children and families met the authors of Save Me a Seat, at State House kick-off event.
Polly Hutcheson, Chair
Winifred Brownell, PhD
22+ digital tours; 10,000+ users
school students.
KIDS READING ACROSS RHODE ISLAND
IMAGES & PHOTO CREDITS
PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATIONS A free mobile app and website that tells stories by and about Rhode Islanders, leading the way in place-based multimedia history and storytelling.
11 communities hosted intergenerational
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HONORARY CHAIRS
Christina Bevilacqua
READING ACROSS RHODE ISLAND
2,500 copies of Just Mercy delivered to libraries, classrooms and senior centers.
2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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EXPANSION ARTS PROGRAM -
Funding, networking, capacity building for 4 organizations per 3-year grant cycle in partnership with the RI Foundation and RI State Council on the Arts.
Daniel Cavicchi, PhD C. Alexander Chiulli, Esq. PhD
Elaine B. Fain, MD Michael R. Fein,
PhD
Jessica Kowal Kenneth Newman
2017 STAFF Elizabeth Francis Executive Director Logan Hinderliter Program Officer, Grants & Partnerships
design-agency.org
Rachael Jeffers Development & Communications Officer Kate Lentz Director, Rhode Island Center for the Book
Julie Nora, PhD Mary Lee Partington Rebecca R. Riley John Simmonds Jonathan Stevens David Syroney, Esq, CTFA
Y A T S Join us in deepening and broadening access to history, culture, civic engagement, and education to enrich and improve the lives of all Rhode Islanders.
N N CO PARTICIPATE Attend a humanities event near you or apply for a grant to support your next public humanities project. CELEBRATE Join us for the annual Celebration of the Humanities in October to mark National Arts & Humanities Month.
D E T EC ADVOCATE Show your support for the humanities by telling policy makers the humanities matter. Write a letter, sign a petition, or share your story. DONATE Make a gift to strengthen cultural, historical, and civic engagement throughout the state; rihumanities. org/get-involved/donate
Visit rihumanities.org to learn more and join our mailing list. facebook.com/ rihumanities @rihumanities @rihumanities
2017 ANNUAL REPORT