Grants Opportunity

Introduction

Guided by the belief that the study of the humanities is central to the daily life and work of a free and diverse people, the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities (RICH) has awarded more than two million dollars in support of a wide range of public humanities programs since its founding in 1973. It is our mission "to inspire and support intellectual curiosity and imagination in all Rhode Islanders through lifelong learning in the humanities." As RICH approaches its 30th anniversary in 2003, we are commemorating our history of intellectual reflection on the human experience with a special one-time programmatic grants initiative. This RICH special initiative continues our support for public humanities programs and the humanist traditions of discussion, dialogue, and inquiry. Up to six projects may be selected from across the state to be part of this special initiative:

In Pursuit of Life, Liberty, and Happiness:
What does Freedom Mean to Us?

As members of a state, a nation, and a global community, Rhode Islanders have seen constant evolution in the definition and exercise of freedom. While freedom is both cherished and revered, it is also widely debated and discussed in public and academic circles. In view of the fact that the humanities offer a breadth of possibilities for critically examining what has been and is significant for human thought and action, the humanities provide abundant means for thoughtful public examinations of the concept of freedom today.

In a one-time special initiative, distinct from our major grants program, RICH asks for projects that will critically and creatively examine the nature of freedom today and how our notions of freedom have evolved, been challenged, and been reshaped over time. Proposed projects may include, but not be limited by, consideration of these types of questions: What is freedom? What defines freedom and access to it? What does it mean to be a free individual, a free society, a free country, or a free world? Does freedom mean the same thing to everyone? How are definitions of freedom changing? In what ways are different notions of freedom compatible or conflicting? Where does freedom end, and personal or social responsibility begin?

The culminating events of the projects can take various forms – lectures, workshops, slide presentations, book and film discussions, public forums, debates, exhibits, websites, radio or television programs, theatrical productions, murals, or multimedia projects. All projects need to engage the public with the humanities, be free of charge, and allow for the expression of differing points of view.