My "Fave Five" for October Arts and Humanities Month

October 31, 2024

On September 6th, Governor Pritzker declared October Arts and Humanities Month in Illinois.

In support of the Governor's call to "all citizens to explore, celebrate and participate in the arts and culture in the Land of Lincoln," I'd like to present five snapshots from gatherings I participated in around the state that showcase how the arts and humanities - as proclaimed - do in fact "play a unique and intrinsically valuable role in the lives of our families, our communities, and our state."

1. ENVISIONING JUSTICE GATHERING IN BLOOMINGTON

Since 2017, Envisioning Justice has created free public arts and humanities programs in partnership with communities and people affected by the carceral system and provided grant funding for individuals, nonprofits, and collectives. Envisioning Justice is a clear example of why bringing the arts and humanities together can be transformative for all involved. This event was a powerful catalyst for change, fostering meaningful conversations and empowering diverse perspectives. 

2. Illinois Association of Museums Annual Conference

The Illinois Association of Museums (IAM) is a volunteer run organization that brings together museum professionals from across the state to share ideas, learn from each other, and network. From the DeKalb County History Center to Southern Illinois Culture and Arts in Bilingual Education in Jackson County, history and heritage organizations alike center the arts as entry points into community stories. Which is why my plenary presentation for the IAM Annual Conference this month in Joliet highlighted the unique opportunity that the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence provides for asking a set of urgent questions: 

• How might we uplift under-told stories?
• How might we include and respond to our communities?
• How might we share new stories and hear familiar stories in new ways?

These diverse gatherings aren't only serious. The evening networking event was billed as "Rockin' the Semiquin" (as in "Semiquincentennial") and as a chance to hear about Illinois Humanities' programming for the 250th. Instead, I started a 50-person rock-paper-scissors competition. Congrats to winner Claire Svehla from the DG Museum for being the Illinois Association of Museum 2024 Champion! I'm all about the mash up of the arts, humanities, and friendly competition!

3. Board and Staff Retreat, Urbana Champaign

Every October Illinois Humanities holds a two-day, in-person board and staff retreat. We review the proposed budget, dig into strategic issues, and outline goals for the upcoming year. Equally importantly we share a public humanities experience intended to give us a deeper perspective on our work. This year we had the pleasure of being guided by curator Dr. Cait Coker through the special exhibition, “We are each other’s harvest:” Gwendolyn Brooks and the Formation of Black Literary Canon. The show was organized to mark the 75th anniversary of the publication of Gwendolyn Brooks' Annie Allen, the poetry collection that won the first Pulitzer Prize by a Black author. Seeing an exhibition staged at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, one of the country's premier research universities, served to underline the support that Illinois Humanities provides to small and community-based archives and collections. Our Activate History Microgrants support individuals and small organizations in sharing local and regional collections to teach and enlighten their communities. These collections are often highly personal and include documents, texts, artwork, stories, and photography. Awardees- like the Black Cornerstones Project - are community stewards who serve as some of the state's most critical public place makers and place keepers.

4. Imagining Arts and Humanities Together, Urbana Champaign

This month Illinois Humanities partnered with our sister organization, the Illinois Arts Council, to bring 30 arts and humanities leaders together in Urbana Champaign to help us lay the groundwork for an annual, statewide gathering to support our grantee communities and strengthen the state's cultural ecosystem.

As the group dove into the question, "What's most most valuable to participants' learning and experiences when we come together as arts and culture practitioners from across the state?" a compelling vision emerged. Designing a gathering intended to strengthen the relationships amongst arts and humanities organizations and practitioners will not only enhance our sector, but will also provide a signature opportunity to erode urban and rural divides, share with one another impactfully, and make local, regional, and statewide work central to the wellbeing of all Illinoisians. Our organizations are excited about what's on the horizon and the partnerships that will emerge as convening plans take shape.

5. A People's Salon: FEAR ITSELF, Chicago

Last night, I joined Jane Beachy, Senior Director of Public Engagement, in hosting the next People's Salon: Fear Itself.  The range of speakers - Willie Mae, M.D., M.A., Coya Paz, Senator Robert Peters, and Mary Williamson - provided windows and mirrors into the idea of "fear."

It's easy to feel fearful these days. We're closing in on a state and federal election. Many of us are concerned about what the outcomes will bring. Irrespective of who wins which race, the humanities are going to be needed more than ever before because the humanities equip us to move through and beyond fear, and into hope.

The humanities are a practice that helps us to gather, to create and protect space for thoughtful conversation and challenging dialogue, and to center and share our lived experiences. Just like with any skill, we can get better with practice - and without practice those skills can atrophy.

At Illinois Humanities every month is Arts and Humanities Month. Every county in the state has at least one organization that uses the arts and humanities to help their community be more livable, creative, and connected. Over the next few days as we say goodbye to October and hello to November, consider being part of a community conversation: Check out a program through an Illinois Humanities Envisioning Justice Hub, and see if there's an Arts Council Grantee nearby. Or just use the Illinois Humanities event page to find a program to help you keep the arts and humanities in your life.