Rhode Island Expansion Arts Program’s Monthly Newsletter
2021 APRIL NEWSLETTER
NEWS FROM THE FUNDERS
Rhode Island Foundation will lead effort to recommend options for spending the state’s American Rescue Plan Act dollars with support from Economic Progress Institute and Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, and with broad community input.
The Rhode Island Foundation announced it is launching an initiative – Make it Happen: Investing for Rhode Island’s Future — to develop recommendations for spending up to $1 billion in broad new stimulus funding the state is projected to receive from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARP).
The Foundation, with the support of the Economic Progress Institute (EPI) and the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC), will develop an array of recommendations over the next six months. The findings will be shared with Gov. Dan McKee and leaders of the General Assembly to inform their decisions.
Artwork in the shape of face masks is on exhibit at the State’s Atrium Gallery
Face mask art celebrates creativity and protection against COVID-19
An exhibition of artwork in the shape of a face mask is now on display at the Atrium Gallery on the main floor of the state’s Administration Building, One Capitol Hill, Providence. The Conceal/Reveal Mask Installation was created during the pandemic and presents a mix of handmade face masks by RI artists and members of the community, who answered an open call. The exhibit, which examines the intersection of the arts and healing will be open to the public, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Do you have a great idea for a public humanities project and looking for support from a mini grant from the Humanities Council?
The Mini Grant Program for requests up to $2,000 invites individual researchers, nonprofit organizations, and schools to apply for funding in support of public humanities projects, documentary film, and individual research.
Make sure you submit your Mini Grant Application by 5:00 pm EST on the established deadline using our online Application System Found in the Grantmaking Section of the website to have your project considered for funding.
“The Rhode Island Expansion Arts Program gave us an understanding of where we needed to go, how to build the structure of our arts business, to ensure that in the end, you can fulfill your mission and actually have the capacity and the sustainability to flourish.”
-Lorén M. Spears
Executive Director
Spotlight Conversation with Lorén M. Spears, Narragansett, Executive Director of Tomaquag Museum
Lorén M. Spears, Narragansett, Executive Director of Tomaquag Museum, holds a Master’s in Education and received a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, from the University of Rhode Island for her dedicated work. She is an author, traditional artist and shares her cultural knowledge with the public through museum programs.
RIEAP: You have served so many roles in the community. What have been some of the most meaningful moments during your career as an educator, activist, author and/or artist?
Lorén: The most meaningful moment was the creation of the Nuweetooun School. It was impactful for my own personal children, other tribal children and children in general attending the school. I think that was important as it integrated all the things I do as an educator, activist, and traditional knowledge person or someone who passes down information from one generation to another. In the Tomaquag Museum, I also play an external role through the work I do with the creation of the Indigenous Empowerment Network, which is intended to create opportunity for Indigenous people through job training and development, entrepreneurship, educational and cultural opportunities in the arts, traditional cultural knowledge, environmental sustainability and advocacy. One of my most important roles is acting as a bridge between the Indigenous community and their cultural knowledge to the general public. Through the Tomaquag Museum and the Indigenous Empowerment Network, we act as a bridge for the Native community but also educate through our programs, partnership, collaboration, and professional development on cultural competency, anti-racism, equity and justice.
Read the rest of the interview with Lorén M. Spears and learn more about the Tomaquag Museum’s origin and their new 18 acre expansion on the Rhode Island Expansion Arts website click here.
To see the Tomaquag Museum’s new building plans or visit the website click here.
NEWS FROM COHORT & ALUMNI
ECAS en Casa presenta:
Ismanuel Rodriguez: su trayectoria como director y que papel juega la cinematografía en el teatro.
Ismanuel nació en Bayamón, PR, el 6 de noviembre de 1980. Es licenciado en teatro por la Universidad de Kent en Canterbury (Reino Unido). Realizó un Máster en Artes Escénicas en la Universidad Rey Juan Carlos de Madrid. Ismanuel enseñó en la Universidad de Puerto Rico en Aguadilla y en el Colegio Marista. Ismanuel también es socio fundador de Tantai Teatro Puerto Rico donde se desempeña como Director Artístico y Coproductor. Además, Ismanuel trabaja como director escénico y diseñador de iluminación autónomo para muchas empresas de la isla.
Ismanuel Rodriguez: his career as a director, and what role can the use of cinematographic techniques play in the theater?
Ismanuel was born in Bayamón, PR, on November 6, 1980. He has a BA in theatre from the University of Kent at Canterbury (UK). He completed a Masters in Performing Arts at the Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid. Ismanuel taught at the University of Puerto Rico in Aguadilla and at Colegio Marista. Ismanuel is also a founding partner of Tantai Teatro Puerto Rico where he serves as Artistic Director and Co-producer. In addition, Ismanuel works as a freelance scenic director and lighting designer for many companies in the island.
RIBS storyteller Rochel Garner Coleman leads the class with storytelling activities and theatre techniques to help bring stories to life. Students will gain confidence in their speaking and presentation AND learn about Black storytelling. The class will do informal sharing on the last day!
Ages 6-10
Session Starts 9 am – 11 am
Hip Hop to Hamilton
Come explore the hip hop roots to the blockbuster musical HAMILTON! Work with teaching artist Rachel Maddox to create your own rap!
Middle school students are invited to this workshop. Learn the hip hop roots of Hamilton the musical. Create your own spoken word and rap that speaks to today; learn performance skills and share what you learned at the end of the week.
Ages 10-14
Session Starts 9 am – 11 am
For more information and to register for these free events click here.
