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As the 2026 Northwest Folklife Festival explores the theme of Ubuntu — “I am because we are” — Humanities Washington and WACultures are honored to join a celebration of culture, conversation, and shared humanity.

Join us at the festival and experience living traditions at the WACultures Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program Showcase on May 22 at 4 pm at the Bagley Wright Theater. Catch a Speaker's Bureau talk on topics ranging from creative writing, to women's undergarments, to the vanguard generation of African American artists at various venues from May 22-25. Don't forget to stop by WACultures' table at the Makers' Space to try your hand at Peruvian retablo-making, Japanese calligraphy, or both!

Check out https://www.humanities.org/story/catch-humanities-washington-and-wacultures-at-the-2026-northwest-folklife-festival/ to learn more.

Last but not least, have a look at this interview essay with former Humanities Washington Speaker's Bureau presenter Itohan Idumwonyi with her take on Ubuntu and how this African philosophy may be the antidote to a fractured world.

Read the interview:
https://www.humanities.org/spark/ubuntu-african-philosophy/

Learn more about the festival:
https://nwfolklife.org/

@nwfolklife @wacultures @artswa
#NorthwestFolklife

Spotted on Vashon Island—Humanities Washington’s Speaker’s Bureau talk advertised on a local community bulletin board!

Thank you @vashonparks for partnering with us to bring our speakers to your community!

Interested in booking a Speaker’s Bureau presentation? Check out humanities.org

Catch WACultures’ Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program teams at the 2026 Northwest Folklife Festival!

Experience living traditions and amazing artistry at the Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program (HAAP) showcase on May 22, Friday, 4 p.m. at the Bagley Wright Theater in Seattle Center.

Members of the Lao Senior Outreach Musical Ensemble will be playing the khaen and other traditional Lao musical instruments while HAAP Master Artist Sirichanh Sisavatdy and her Apprentice Keira Gan perform Lao classical dance.

All the way from Walla Walla, HAAP Master Artist Saraí González, her Apprentice Mariana Ruiz-González, and the rest of their group, El Color de México, will dazzle as they perform danza folclórica or Mexican folkloric dance.

Last but not least, HAAP Apprentice Amatra Jagannathan, under the mentorship of Grammy-award winning HAAP Master Artist Ganesh Rajagopalan, will perform Carnatic music on the Indian violin. She will be accompanied by Krishna Srikanth on the double-headed drum.

Don’t miss this unique gathering of Washington state’s traditional artists!

To learn more about WACultures’ Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program (HAAP), go to wacultures.org

To learn more about Northwest Folklife, go to nwfolklife.org.

Hope to see you all there!

@artswa @humanitesWA @nwfolklife @performance.elcolordemexico

Catch WACultures’ Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program teams at the 2026 Northwest Folklife Festival!

Experience living traditions and amazing artistry at the Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program (HAAP) showcase on May 22, Friday, 4 p.m. at the Bagley Wright Theater in Seattle Center.

Members of the Lao Senior Outreach Musical Ensemble will be playing the khaen and other traditional Lao musical instruments while HAAP Master Artist Sirichanh Sisavatdy and her Apprentice Keira Gan perform Lao classical dance.

All the way from Walla Walla, HAAP Master Artist Saraí González, her Apprentice Mariana Ruiz-González, and the rest of their group, El Color de México, will dazzle as they perform danza folclórica or Mexican folkloric dance.

Last but not least, HAAP Apprentice Amatra Jagannathan, under the mentorship of Grammy-award winning HAAP Master Artist Ganesh Rajagopalan, will perform Carnatic music on the Indian violin. She will be accompanied by Krishna Srikanth on the double-headed drum.

Don’t miss this unique gathering of Washington state’s traditional artists!

To learn more about WACultures’ Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program (HAAP), go to wacultures.org

To learn more about Northwest Folklife, go to nwfolklife.org.

Hope to see you all there!

@artswa @humanitesWA @nwfolklife @performance.elcolordemexico

Catch WACultures’ Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program teams at the 2026 Northwest Folklife Festival!

Experience living traditions and amazing artistry at the Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program (HAAP) showcase on May 22, Friday, 4 p.m. at the Bagley Wright Theater in Seattle Center.

Members of the Lao Senior Outreach Musical Ensemble will be playing the khaen and other traditional Lao musical instruments while HAAP Master Artist Sirichanh Sisavatdy and her Apprentice Keira Gan perform Lao classical dance.

All the way from Walla Walla, HAAP Master Artist Saraí González, her Apprentice Mariana Ruiz-González, and the rest of their group, El Color de México, will dazzle as they perform danza folclórica or Mexican folkloric dance.

Last but not least, HAAP Apprentice Amatra Jagannathan, under the mentorship of Grammy-award winning HAAP Master Artist Ganesh Rajagopalan, will perform Carnatic music on the Indian violin. She will be accompanied by Krishna Srikanth on the double-headed drum.

Don’t miss this unique gathering of Washington state’s traditional artists!

To learn more about WACultures’ Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program (HAAP), go to wacultures.org

To learn more about Northwest Folklife, go to nwfolklife.org.

Hope to see you all there!

@artswa @humanitesWA @nwfolklife @performance.elcolordemexico

Catch WACultures’ Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program teams at the 2026 Northwest Folklife Festival!

Experience living traditions and amazing artistry at the Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program (HAAP) showcase on May 22, Friday, 4 p.m. at the Bagley Wright Theater in Seattle Center.

Members of the Lao Senior Outreach Musical Ensemble will be playing the khaen and other traditional Lao musical instruments while HAAP Master Artist Sirichanh Sisavatdy and her Apprentice Keira Gan perform Lao classical dance.

All the way from Walla Walla, HAAP Master Artist Saraí González, her Apprentice Mariana Ruiz-González, and the rest of their group, El Color de México, will dazzle as they perform danza folclórica or Mexican folkloric dance.

Last but not least, HAAP Apprentice Amatra Jagannathan, under the mentorship of Grammy-award winning HAAP Master Artist Ganesh Rajagopalan, will perform Carnatic music on the Indian violin. She will be accompanied by Krishna Srikanth on the double-headed drum.

Don’t miss this unique gathering of Washington state’s traditional artists!

To learn more about WACultures’ Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program (HAAP), go to wacultures.org

To learn more about Northwest Folklife, go to nwfolklife.org.

Hope to see you all there!

@artswa @humanitesWA @nwfolklife @performance.elcolordemexico

Our trustees are impressive folks!

Congratulations to recent honors earned by trustees Ryan Booth, Deepti Agrawal, and Mike Faulk.

In April, Ryan Booth, assistant professor in the Washington State University Dept. of History, received the 2026 Library Excellence Award for inspiring undergraduate students to explore the rich resources of WSU Libraries, including its archives and special collections. Through his mentorship and teaching, Ryan has helped spark the academic and professional journeys of many aspiring historians, researchers, and scholars. “WSU Libraries are the heart of our university,” Ryan said. “They pump the lifeblood of knowledge into our students, our research, and our community. It also helps that you are all some of the coolest, kindest, and most talented group of colleagues at this institution.” Read: https://tinyurl.com/mwrzecb2

In March, Deepti Agrawal led a Madhubani art workshop at the "Celebrating India" event at Interlake High School in Bellevue, at the invitation of the Consulate General India Seattle. "When institutions choose to celebrate diversity not as an obligation, but as a value, they shape environments where every child feels seen, heard, and inspired," Deepti reflected. "Moments like these are both humbling and affirming, a reminder that the work we do, quietly and consistently, is part of something much larger." Read: https://tinyurl.com/mrbw3z2t

In April, Mike Faulk was honored by Vital Speeches of the Day with the 2026 Cicero Speechwriting Award for Best State-of-the-Institution Speech for writing "Ever Forward, Evergreen," delivered by outgoing Washington Governor Jay Inslee in January 2025. The award is presented annually to recognize exceptional speechwriting in various sectors. "At a time when leaders in all sectors are increasingly failing to inspire in the public square, this work is as important now as it was 2,000 years ago when Cicero called rhetoric the 'great art,'” Mike said. Read: https://tinyurl.com/ydpujmj4

@keahubooth @deeptidesigns

Our trustees are impressive folks!

Congratulations to recent honors earned by trustees Ryan Booth, Deepti Agrawal, and Mike Faulk.

In April, Ryan Booth, assistant professor in the Washington State University Dept. of History, received the 2026 Library Excellence Award for inspiring undergraduate students to explore the rich resources of WSU Libraries, including its archives and special collections. Through his mentorship and teaching, Ryan has helped spark the academic and professional journeys of many aspiring historians, researchers, and scholars. “WSU Libraries are the heart of our university,” Ryan said. “They pump the lifeblood of knowledge into our students, our research, and our community. It also helps that you are all some of the coolest, kindest, and most talented group of colleagues at this institution.” Read: https://tinyurl.com/mwrzecb2

In March, Deepti Agrawal led a Madhubani art workshop at the "Celebrating India" event at Interlake High School in Bellevue, at the invitation of the Consulate General India Seattle. "When institutions choose to celebrate diversity not as an obligation, but as a value, they shape environments where every child feels seen, heard, and inspired," Deepti reflected. "Moments like these are both humbling and affirming, a reminder that the work we do, quietly and consistently, is part of something much larger." Read: https://tinyurl.com/mrbw3z2t

In April, Mike Faulk was honored by Vital Speeches of the Day with the 2026 Cicero Speechwriting Award for Best State-of-the-Institution Speech for writing "Ever Forward, Evergreen," delivered by outgoing Washington Governor Jay Inslee in January 2025. The award is presented annually to recognize exceptional speechwriting in various sectors. "At a time when leaders in all sectors are increasingly failing to inspire in the public square, this work is as important now as it was 2,000 years ago when Cicero called rhetoric the 'great art,'” Mike said. Read: https://tinyurl.com/ydpujmj4

@keahubooth @deeptidesigns

Our trustees are impressive folks!

Congratulations to recent honors earned by trustees Ryan Booth, Deepti Agrawal, and Mike Faulk.

In April, Ryan Booth, assistant professor in the Washington State University Dept. of History, received the 2026 Library Excellence Award for inspiring undergraduate students to explore the rich resources of WSU Libraries, including its archives and special collections. Through his mentorship and teaching, Ryan has helped spark the academic and professional journeys of many aspiring historians, researchers, and scholars. “WSU Libraries are the heart of our university,” Ryan said. “They pump the lifeblood of knowledge into our students, our research, and our community. It also helps that you are all some of the coolest, kindest, and most talented group of colleagues at this institution.” Read: https://tinyurl.com/mwrzecb2

In March, Deepti Agrawal led a Madhubani art workshop at the "Celebrating India" event at Interlake High School in Bellevue, at the invitation of the Consulate General India Seattle. "When institutions choose to celebrate diversity not as an obligation, but as a value, they shape environments where every child feels seen, heard, and inspired," Deepti reflected. "Moments like these are both humbling and affirming, a reminder that the work we do, quietly and consistently, is part of something much larger." Read: https://tinyurl.com/mrbw3z2t

In April, Mike Faulk was honored by Vital Speeches of the Day with the 2026 Cicero Speechwriting Award for Best State-of-the-Institution Speech for writing "Ever Forward, Evergreen," delivered by outgoing Washington Governor Jay Inslee in January 2025. The award is presented annually to recognize exceptional speechwriting in various sectors. "At a time when leaders in all sectors are increasingly failing to inspire in the public square, this work is as important now as it was 2,000 years ago when Cicero called rhetoric the 'great art,'” Mike said. Read: https://tinyurl.com/ydpujmj4

@keahubooth @deeptidesigns

Our trustees are impressive folks!

Congratulations to recent honors earned by trustees Ryan Booth, Deepti Agrawal, and Mike Faulk.

In April, Ryan Booth, assistant professor in the Washington State University Dept. of History, received the 2026 Library Excellence Award for inspiring undergraduate students to explore the rich resources of WSU Libraries, including its archives and special collections. Through his mentorship and teaching, Ryan has helped spark the academic and professional journeys of many aspiring historians, researchers, and scholars. “WSU Libraries are the heart of our university,” Ryan said. “They pump the lifeblood of knowledge into our students, our research, and our community. It also helps that you are all some of the coolest, kindest, and most talented group of colleagues at this institution.” Read: https://tinyurl.com/mwrzecb2

In March, Deepti Agrawal led a Madhubani art workshop at the "Celebrating India" event at Interlake High School in Bellevue, at the invitation of the Consulate General India Seattle. "When institutions choose to celebrate diversity not as an obligation, but as a value, they shape environments where every child feels seen, heard, and inspired," Deepti reflected. "Moments like these are both humbling and affirming, a reminder that the work we do, quietly and consistently, is part of something much larger." Read: https://tinyurl.com/mrbw3z2t

In April, Mike Faulk was honored by Vital Speeches of the Day with the 2026 Cicero Speechwriting Award for Best State-of-the-Institution Speech for writing "Ever Forward, Evergreen," delivered by outgoing Washington Governor Jay Inslee in January 2025. The award is presented annually to recognize exceptional speechwriting in various sectors. "At a time when leaders in all sectors are increasingly failing to inspire in the public square, this work is as important now as it was 2,000 years ago when Cicero called rhetoric the 'great art,'” Mike said. Read: https://tinyurl.com/ydpujmj4

@keahubooth @deeptidesigns

Office with a view? Don’t mind if we do. Humanities Washington staff had the privilege of spending time at Skagit County Historical Museum connecting, learning, and leaving genuinely inspired by the meaningful work happening there—all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Cascades. Huge thanks to the museum’s executive director, Jo Wolfe, and the rest of her team for the warmest welcome!

Interested in learning more about the museum? Go to www.skagitcounty.net/museum or email Museum@co.skagit.wa.us

@skagithistoricalmuseumofficial

#skagitvalley #skagitcounty #localhistory

Office with a view? Don’t mind if we do. Humanities Washington staff had the privilege of spending time at Skagit County Historical Museum connecting, learning, and leaving genuinely inspired by the meaningful work happening there—all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Cascades. Huge thanks to the museum’s executive director, Jo Wolfe, and the rest of her team for the warmest welcome!

Interested in learning more about the museum? Go to www.skagitcounty.net/museum or email Museum@co.skagit.wa.us

@skagithistoricalmuseumofficial

#skagitvalley #skagitcounty #localhistory

Office with a view? Don’t mind if we do. Humanities Washington staff had the privilege of spending time at Skagit County Historical Museum connecting, learning, and leaving genuinely inspired by the meaningful work happening there—all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Cascades. Huge thanks to the museum’s executive director, Jo Wolfe, and the rest of her team for the warmest welcome!

Interested in learning more about the museum? Go to www.skagitcounty.net/museum or email Museum@co.skagit.wa.us

@skagithistoricalmuseumofficial

#skagitvalley #skagitcounty #localhistory

Office with a view? Don’t mind if we do. Humanities Washington staff had the privilege of spending time at Skagit County Historical Museum connecting, learning, and leaving genuinely inspired by the meaningful work happening there—all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Cascades. Huge thanks to the museum’s executive director, Jo Wolfe, and the rest of her team for the warmest welcome!

Interested in learning more about the museum? Go to www.skagitcounty.net/museum or email Museum@co.skagit.wa.us

@skagithistoricalmuseumofficial

#skagitvalley #skagitcounty #localhistory

Office with a view? Don’t mind if we do. Humanities Washington staff had the privilege of spending time at Skagit County Historical Museum connecting, learning, and leaving genuinely inspired by the meaningful work happening there—all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Cascades. Huge thanks to the museum’s executive director, Jo Wolfe, and the rest of her team for the warmest welcome!

Interested in learning more about the museum? Go to www.skagitcounty.net/museum or email Museum@co.skagit.wa.us

@skagithistoricalmuseumofficial

#skagitvalley #skagitcounty #localhistory

Office with a view? Don’t mind if we do. Humanities Washington staff had the privilege of spending time at Skagit County Historical Museum connecting, learning, and leaving genuinely inspired by the meaningful work happening there—all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Cascades. Huge thanks to the museum’s executive director, Jo Wolfe, and the rest of her team for the warmest welcome!

Interested in learning more about the museum? Go to www.skagitcounty.net/museum or email Museum@co.skagit.wa.us

@skagithistoricalmuseumofficial

#skagitvalley #skagitcounty #localhistory

Office with a view? Don’t mind if we do. Humanities Washington staff had the privilege of spending time at Skagit County Historical Museum connecting, learning, and leaving genuinely inspired by the meaningful work happening there—all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Cascades. Huge thanks to the museum’s executive director, Jo Wolfe, and the rest of her team for the warmest welcome!

Interested in learning more about the museum? Go to www.skagitcounty.net/museum or email Museum@co.skagit.wa.us

@skagithistoricalmuseumofficial

#skagitvalley #skagitcounty #localhistory

Humanities Washington is excited to celebrate culture, creativity, and community alongside so many incredible artists and organizations at the Northwest Folklife Festival, May 22-25 at Seattle Center.

However, volunteers are still needed to help make the festival possible—whether you're passionate about sustainability, community engagement, or event support, there’s a place for you! Northwest Folklife proudly offers positions for people of all abilities, with a wide range of roles designed to match different skills, interests, and accessibility needs.

Your involvement goes beyond the festival; it helps break down financial barriers and fosters inclusive, welcoming experiences for people of all backgrounds. Volunteering is also a great way to develop new skills, expand your network, and build meaningful experience for your resume.

Learn more & sign up today https://nwfolklife.org/support/volunteer.html
@nwfolklife @seattlecenter @wacultures

WACultures is seeking a qualified fieldworker to document the folk and traditional arts of North Central Washington during the summer of 2026. This project involves conducting ethnographic fieldwork and documenting 5–8 cultural practitioners through interviews and photography. The materials collected will help highlight the diverse heritage of the region and may be featured in public online content or future heritage programming. Conversational Spanish is highly desirable for this role. 
  
Deadline: Friday, May 22nd 
Contract Amount: $6,500 contract (includes honorarium and travel expenses) 
Location: North Central Washington (Douglas, Chelan, and Okanogan Counties) 
  
To apply, please submit a resumé and a letter of interest detailing your experience with traditional arts and your familiarity with the region to wacultures@humanities.org with the subject line “Cultural Traditions Survey Application”.  
 
Questions? Contact thomas@humanities.org. 
 
Go to wacultures.org to learn more. 
 
WACultures is a partnership between Humanities Washington and ArtsWA.  
 
@ArtsWA @HumanitiesWA #heritage #tradition #traditionalarts #folkarts #artists #culturaltraditions

Are you or someone you know a veteran interested in learning or teaching a traditional trade, craft, or skill? WACultures invites you to apply for the 2026-2027 Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program. The program provides financial support to a Master Artist and an Apprentice (or two) who want to preserve a cultural tradition important to their community.  
 
WACultures believe in supporting veterans in creative pursuits after their military service. This program is in special collaboration with the Wellness, Arts, and the Military Program of ArtsWA to best serve military communities and their needs.  
 
📆Deadline to apply: May 10, 2026, Sunday, 11:59 pm  
 
👉🏽 Learn more:  https://wacultures.org/heritage-arts-apprentice-program/ 
 
Questions? Contact jera@humanities.org.  
 
WACultures is a partnership between Humanities Washington and ArtsWA.  
 
@ArtsWA @HumanitiesWA #heritage #tradition #traditionalarts #folkarts #artists #community #apprenticeships #vetart #militaryart #militaryartist #veteranart #veteranartists #supportveteranartists #culturaltraditions #folkart #folkartist

Are you or someone you know a veteran interested in learning or teaching a traditional trade, craft, or skill? WACultures invites you to apply for the 2026-2027 Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program. The program provides financial support to a Master Artist and an Apprentice (or two) who want to preserve a cultural tradition important to their community.  
 
WACultures believe in supporting veterans in creative pursuits after their military service. This program is in special collaboration with the Wellness, Arts, and the Military Program of ArtsWA to best serve military communities and their needs.  
 
📆Deadline to apply: May 10, 2026, Sunday, 11:59 pm  
 
👉🏽 Learn more:  https://wacultures.org/heritage-arts-apprentice-program/ 
 
Questions? Contact jera@humanities.org.  
 
WACultures is a partnership between Humanities Washington and ArtsWA.  
 
@ArtsWA @HumanitiesWA #heritage #tradition #traditionalarts #folkarts #artists #community #apprenticeships #vetart #militaryart #militaryartist #veteranart #veteranartists #supportveteranartists #culturaltraditions #folkart #folkartist

Each month, our Speakers Bureau presenters will share recommendations for the books they love, films that moved them, music they return to, ideas about their fascinating topics, and much more!

This May, in honor of #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, we asked speakers Lakeya Afolalu and Katie Buckingham how art can offer strength and healing in times of individual and communal hardship. 

What pieces of art speak to you in moments of adversity? 

This month, check out Katie’s presentation “Heart of Glass: Art and Innovation at 2100 Degrees” https://www.humanities.org/event/hybrid-heart-of-glass-art-and-innovation-at-2100-degrees and Lakeya’s presentation “Art, Creativity, and Immigrant Youth” https://www.humanities.org/event/in-person-art-creativity-and-immigrant-youth-3

@katie_thecurator @lakeyaafolalu

#MHAM #YouAreNotAlone

Each month, our Speakers Bureau presenters will share recommendations for the books they love, films that moved them, music they return to, ideas about their fascinating topics, and much more!

This May, in honor of #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, we asked speakers Lakeya Afolalu and Katie Buckingham how art can offer strength and healing in times of individual and communal hardship. 

What pieces of art speak to you in moments of adversity? 

This month, check out Katie’s presentation “Heart of Glass: Art and Innovation at 2100 Degrees” https://www.humanities.org/event/hybrid-heart-of-glass-art-and-innovation-at-2100-degrees and Lakeya’s presentation “Art, Creativity, and Immigrant Youth” https://www.humanities.org/event/in-person-art-creativity-and-immigrant-youth-3

@katie_thecurator @lakeyaafolalu

#MHAM #YouAreNotAlone

Each month, our Speakers Bureau presenters will share recommendations for the books they love, films that moved them, music they return to, ideas about their fascinating topics, and much more!

This May, in honor of #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, we asked speakers Lakeya Afolalu and Katie Buckingham how art can offer strength and healing in times of individual and communal hardship. 

What pieces of art speak to you in moments of adversity? 

This month, check out Katie’s presentation “Heart of Glass: Art and Innovation at 2100 Degrees” https://www.humanities.org/event/hybrid-heart-of-glass-art-and-innovation-at-2100-degrees and Lakeya’s presentation “Art, Creativity, and Immigrant Youth” https://www.humanities.org/event/in-person-art-creativity-and-immigrant-youth-3

@katie_thecurator @lakeyaafolalu

#MHAM #YouAreNotAlone

Each month, our Speakers Bureau presenters will share recommendations for the books they love, films that moved them, music they return to, ideas about their fascinating topics, and much more!

This May, in honor of #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, we asked speakers Lakeya Afolalu and Katie Buckingham how art can offer strength and healing in times of individual and communal hardship. 

What pieces of art speak to you in moments of adversity? 

This month, check out Katie’s presentation “Heart of Glass: Art and Innovation at 2100 Degrees” https://www.humanities.org/event/hybrid-heart-of-glass-art-and-innovation-at-2100-degrees and Lakeya’s presentation “Art, Creativity, and Immigrant Youth” https://www.humanities.org/event/in-person-art-creativity-and-immigrant-youth-3

@katie_thecurator @lakeyaafolalu

#MHAM #YouAreNotAlone

Each month, our Speakers Bureau presenters will share recommendations for the books they love, films that moved them, music they return to, ideas about their fascinating topics, and much more!

This May, in honor of #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, we asked speakers Lakeya Afolalu and Katie Buckingham how art can offer strength and healing in times of individual and communal hardship. 

What pieces of art speak to you in moments of adversity? 

This month, check out Katie’s presentation “Heart of Glass: Art and Innovation at 2100 Degrees” https://www.humanities.org/event/hybrid-heart-of-glass-art-and-innovation-at-2100-degrees and Lakeya’s presentation “Art, Creativity, and Immigrant Youth” https://www.humanities.org/event/in-person-art-creativity-and-immigrant-youth-3

@katie_thecurator @lakeyaafolalu

#MHAM #YouAreNotAlone

Each month, our Speakers Bureau presenters will share recommendations for the books they love, films that moved them, music they return to, ideas about their fascinating topics, and much more!

This May, in honor of #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, we asked speakers Lakeya Afolalu and Katie Buckingham how art can offer strength and healing in times of individual and communal hardship. 

What pieces of art speak to you in moments of adversity? 

This month, check out Katie’s presentation “Heart of Glass: Art and Innovation at 2100 Degrees” https://www.humanities.org/event/hybrid-heart-of-glass-art-and-innovation-at-2100-degrees and Lakeya’s presentation “Art, Creativity, and Immigrant Youth” https://www.humanities.org/event/in-person-art-creativity-and-immigrant-youth-3

@katie_thecurator @lakeyaafolalu

#MHAM #YouAreNotAlone

What's on your mind? Humanities Washington's board and staff are coming to the Tri-Cities and want to hear from you. Join us for a casual coffee hour at the REACH Museum in Richland and connect with leaders from across the state who care about the humanities, culture, and community.

Friday, May 15 | 8:30–9:30 AM | Free & open to all. Know someone who should be in the room? Bring them along! Please RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/yc29aycs

"I had almost given up."

For nearly 50 years, Kevin Okcheon Shim has kept Songpa Sande Nori Talchum alive — a traditional Korean mask dance passed down through generations. Finding someone to carry it forward in Washington felt impossible. Then he met his apprentice and together they applied to the Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program. "I can finally see a future of it here in Washington," Kevin says.

This is what Humanities Washington does: we create spaces where living culture gets passed to the next generation: face to face, story to story.

But after severe cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities, that work is at risk.

This #GiveBIG, your gift keeps traditions like Kevin's alive. And right now, every dollar is matched up to $20,000, doubling your impact. Search for us on the Washington Gives website!

Picture this: somewhere in Washington there are two master boatbuilders. One borrows techniques from the Vikings, overlapping planks built to withstand frigid Nordic oceans. The other carves a shovelnose canoe from a single cedar tree as his tribe has done for generations, perfect to navigate shallow inlets and rivers. Both of these master craftspeople have been supported by the Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program, Washington's most comprehensive program supporting the continuation of cultural practices important to our communities.

These are just two of the living traditions the Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program has championed over the past seven years. There are 16 master-apprentice pairs this year alone, representing music, dance, food, language, and ceremonial traditions from across the globe. Many of these traditions are at risk. Practitioners often lack the resources to pass their skills on.

Your gift changes that.

Tomorrow, May 5, is GiveBIG. Please give to Humanities Washington and help ensure these traditions continue to connect us — to our past and to each other.

Give tomorrow. #GiveBIG