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LEH suffers major cuts in state funds
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 The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, like most state cultural agencies, has suffered major cuts in the state's new budget.
In the coming state fiscal year, which began July 1, the LEH will receive $1.1 million in state funds, down $850,000 or 44 percent from the fiscal year that ended June 30. "This sets LEH state support back more than a decade," says LEH Executive Director and President Michael Sartisky. "This crippling reduction will mean cuts in LEH grants to community cultural organizations, documentary filmmakers, summer teacher institutes, Prime Time family literacy program and Readings in Literature and Culture adult reading program sites, smaller press runs for LEH's award-winning magazine Louisiana Cultural Vistas, and other programs that help Louisianians explore their culture and heritage."
In the coming weeks, the LEH will announce the effects of the budget cuts upon its grants and other programs. Award notification for the current round of Documentary Film and Radio, Public Humanities, and Outreach grants will be delayed until July 15.
Dr. Sartisky thanked Governor Bobby Jindal for keeping the LEH in the state budget in view of major cuts to other state agencies. Dr. Sartisky also credited a number of state legislators who worked tirelessly to ensure that the LEH continued to receive state funds. Those particularly visible in that effort were Senator Joel Chaisson, Senator Lydia Jackson, Senator Mike Michot, Senator Sherri Cheek, Rep. Karen Carter Peterson, Rep. Joe Harrison and Rep. Walt Leger.
Despite the current national economic crisis, the LEH has launched a major initiative to raise additional funds from the private and federal sectors to continue and expand its programs. It is currently exploring those funding opportunities with regional and national foundations, and with federal cultural and educational agencies. Corporate and individual philanthropic partners are being pursued, along with foundations and federal grants.
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LCV summer issue features Hank Williams
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 The summer 2009 issue of Louisiana Cultural Vistas debuted June 15 with a cover story on country music superstar Hank Williams Sr. and his rise to fame at Shreveport's Louisiana Hayride, a live radio show broadcast from the city's Municipal Auditorium from 1948 to 1960. Other stories in the latest edition of the LEH's quarterly magazine of arts, culture, history and literature include:
- A sampling of art works on view at the New Orleans Museum of Art from an exhibit titled "A Place of Their Own: Women Artists in Louisiana, 1825-1965," organized in conjunction with The Historic New Orleans Collection;
- An excerpt from One Drop: My Father's Hidden Life - A Story of Race and Family Secrets by Bliss Broyard, a book funded by an LEH Louisiana Publishing Initiative Grant;
- A history of bread in New Orleans by Dr. Michael Mizell-Nelson, an essay excerpted from New Orleans Cuisine: Fourteen Signature Dishes and Their Histories, a new book from the University of Mississippi Press;
- A biography of Natalie Scott, an influential writer and humanitarian who became a central figure in the French Quarter renaissance of the 1920s and '30s, written by her nephew, John Scott;
- An analysis of the legacy of Leonidas Polk, a Confederate general who simultaneously served as the bishop of the Episcopal diocese of Louisiana, by Dr. Cheryl H. White.
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LCV nominated for top press club awards
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 Louisiana Cultural Vistas' writers and photographers are finalists in seven categories at the forthcoming Press Club of New Orleans awards ceremony slated for July 18.
The award categories and nominated LCV entries are:
Multi-Feature Photograph:
- "Eye of the Storm" by Sandra Burshell (Fall 2008)
- "The Enduring Performance of Michael P. Smith" by Michael P. Smith (Winter 2008)
- "After the Flood" by Robert Polidori (Summer 2008)
- "40 Days and 40 Nights" by Donn Young (Spring 2008)
Column:- "Louisiana Foodways" by Jessica Harris (all issues, 2008)
Critical Review:- "The Roots and Radicalism of Rap Music" (music review) by Ben Sandmel (Fall 2008)
Entertainment:- "The Enduring Performance of Michael P. Smith" by Jason Berry (Winter 2008)
- Back issues of Louisiana Cultural Vistas may be viewed online at www.leh.org
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LEH signs promotional partnership with Hilton Hotel New Orleans
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 The LEH is pleased to announce that it has just signed a precedent-setting mutual promotion/sponsorship agreement with the Hilton St. Charles, located at 333 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans' Central Business District. The partnership includes advertising in Louisiana Cultural Vistas magazine, as well as an exclusivity arrangement, whereby the Hilton St. Charles will be the only hotel to feature Louisiana Cultural Vistas in their sleeping rooms. The Hilton St. Charles will also become the primary corporate sponsor for the LEH's "Professors Series" piano nights at the Louisiana Humanities Center.
The LEH-Hilton St. Charles agreement also includes a $109 (plus tax) nightly room rate for all LEH employees and supporters (including anyone receiving or reading this newsletter), available year-round, on a space-available basis. "We are very excited to be entering into this agreement with LEH," stated Maria S. Roussel, Hilton St. Charles Director of Sales. "Partnering to promote the history, culture, literature, art, and music of our great city and state aligns perfectly with our vision for this meticulously renovated and historic landmark property. We want to extend an invitation to all LEH friends traveling to New Orleans to stay with us at the special LEH rate and rediscover one of the most culturally and historically rich cities in the world."
To book your room at this historic, 4-star property at the special LEH discounted rate, click here.
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RELIC: Readings in Literature and Culture
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 The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities Readings in Literature and Culture, or RELIC, program has scheduled adult reading programs in libraries throughout Louisiana on topics that range from the "Native American World of the Southeastern U.S." to "England's Queen Elizabeth I and Her Times."
- Abita Springs, St. Tammany Parish Library, 985-893-6280. "The Native American World of the Southeastern United States." Wednesdays, Oct. 7-Nov. 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Alexandria, Westside Regional Branch, Rapides Parish Library. 318-445-2411. "Elizabeth I of England and Her Times." Tuesdays, Sept. 15-Oct. 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Bastrop, Morehouse Parish Library. 318-281-3696. "Where Is North Louisiana?" Tuesdays, Sept. 1-Oct. 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Columbia, Caldwell Parish Library. 318-649-2259. "Battleground Louisiana: Civil War Events and Experiences." Mondays, Sept. 14-Oct. 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Farmerville, Union Parish Library. 318-368-9288. "The Native American World of the Southeastern United States." Thursdays, Oct. 8-Nov 12, 6-8 p.m.
- Gonzales, Ascension Parish Library. 225-647-8924. "Elizabeth I of England and Her Times." Tuesdays, Sept. 22-Oct. 27, 6-8 p.m.
- Houma, Terrebonne Parish Library. 985-876-5861. "I'll Be Seeing You... America and World War II." Wednesdays, Oct.14-Nov 18, 10 a.m.-noon.
- Many, Sabine Parish Library. 318-256-4150. "Elizabeth I of England and Her Times." Tuesdays, Sept. 8-Oct. 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- New Iberia, Parkview Branch, Iberia Parish Library. 337-364-7150. "The Louisiana Purchase: Impact and Legacy." Thursdays, Oct. 1-Nov. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Ringgold, Bienville Parish Library. 318-263-7410. "Louisiana History: Perspectives on the Pelican State." Tuesdays, Oct. 20-Nov. 24, 6-8 p.m.
- Ruston, Lincoln Parish Library. 318-251-5030. "Battleground Louisiana: Civil War Events and Experiences." Tuesdays, Sep. 15-Oct. 20, 6-8 p.m.
- Shreveport, The University of First Presbyterian Church. 318-222-0604. "Encounter in Louisiana." Thursdays, Sept. 24-Oct. 29, 6-8 p.m.
- Shreveport, Hamilton/South Caddo Branch, Caddo Parish Library. 318-687-6824. "Folktales and Stories of the South and Louisiana." Thursdays, Sept. 10-Oct. 15, 6-8 p.m.
- Slidell, St. Tammany Parish Library. 504-646-6470. "I'll Be Seeing You... America and World War II." Tuesdays, Sept. 22-Oct. 27, 6-8 p.m.
- Stonewall, Desoto Parish Library. 318-925-9191. "Battleground Louisiana: Civil War Events and Experiences." Thursdays, Sept. 10-Oct. 15, 4-6 p.m.
- Vidalia, Concordia Parish Library. 318-757-3550. "Where Is North Louisiana?" Thursdays, Aug. 13-Sept. 17, 6-8 p.m.
- Winnfield, Winn Parish Library. 318-628-4478. "The Creole Identity and Experience in Louisiana Literature and History." Tuesdays, Sept. 15-Oct. 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
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C2E Hosts Information Reception
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 Formed in 2008, the C2E Collaborative coordinated a networking event in March 2009, and published the C2E Notebook, which details more than 100 organizations whose programming is offered to public schools and public school students.
While significant progress has been made in engaging community support of public school education, the C2E Collaborative is looking to make the 2009-2010 Connect2Educate Event and Notebook even more productive and successful for the benefit of New Orleans public schools and public school students. More than 30 New Orleans area organizations and schools have already endorsed Connect2Educate Collaborative and its initiatives. Click here to view a press release on C2E progress and future plans.
On June 23, 2009, the C2E Collaborative hosted an information reception at the Louisiana Humanities Center Auditorium for those interested in learning more about the project and/or working with the C2E Collaborative on its initiatives during the 2009-2010 school year. More than 50 education stakeholders representing direct service providers, nonprofit leaders, administrators, educators, social workers, etc., attended the event. After a brief presentation on the Connect2Educate Collaborative and its work, a lively and productive Q & A session was facilitated during which valuable feedback was received. The C2E Collaborative thanks all those who signed up to assist with the 2009-2010 initiatives. We look forward to working with the 2009-2010 Planning Committee to make the next event and notebook a success for our education community.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Miranda Restovic. Coming soon www.connect2educate.org!
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PRIME TIME En Francais!
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 Cajuns, Creoles, and Franglais speakers rejoice! PRIME TIME is set to pilot a series of bilingual French/English programs to serve three French Immersion schools in Southeast Louisiana. The LEH, in partnership with the Consulate General of France in New Orleans, will launch the French/English PRIME TIME in fall 2009 at The International School of Louisiana in New Orleans, The Lafourche Parish Public Library-Bayou Blue Branch in Bayou Blue, LA, and Prairie Elementary School in Lafayette, LA. These programs will target children aged 6 to 10 who are enrolled in French immersion schools and their parents in an effort to foster a lifelong love of learning through reading in the two target languages. The LEH and PRIME TIME are proud to partner with the French Consulate on this highly anticipated project. Funding for the project was provided by the following: The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Consulat Général of France in New Orleans, Embassy of France/French Cultural Services, La Fondation Louisiane, Fondation CODOFIL, and Louisiana State University. View the Fall 2009 LA Site Schedule for more information on these programs. Click here for the full press release. Contact Miranda Restovic for more information.
Fall 2009 French Programs:
Lafayette
Prairie Elementary
September 15 - October 20
Tuesdays @ 6:00 p.m.
Program Coordinator: Gwen Lewis
Scholar: Jennifer Miguez
Storyteller: Valerie Broussard
Houma
Lafourche Parish Public Library
September 16 - October 21
Wednesdays @ 6:00 p.m.
Program Coordinator: Allison Clark
Scholar: Robin White
Storyteller: Mel Baudoin
New Orleans
International School
October 20 - November 24
Tuesdays @ 5:30 p.m.
Program Coordinator: Pamela Stewart
Scholar: Robin White
Storyteller: Katy Ancelet
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July 2009 PRIME TIME Training Workshop
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 The next PRIME TIME Training Workshop is scheduled for July 18 - 19, 2009 and will be held at the Louisiana Humanities Center at Turners' Hall in New Orleans. More than 40 participants from Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana have registered to attend. During the workshop, PRIME TIME staff members and experienced consultants will share details on the program's model, methodology and implementation strategies. As always, the weekend promises to be exciting and enlightening. The LEH and PRIME TIME staff wish to thank the Loews New Orleans and Hilton St. Charles Avenue Hotels for partnering with us on this event. For additional details on the training workshop, please contact Shantrell Adams at (504) 620-2625 or adams@leh.org.
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LEH Grants deadlines |
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 Outreach grants - July 15.
For information about LEH grants, contact Rachel Norman at norman@leh.org or call 504-620-2479 or 1-800-909-7990, ext. 131.
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