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Initiatives

Applications for Gustave Blache III Art Scholarships Opening November 27

Applications for the Gustave Blache III Art Scholarships supporting the 2024-5 school year will open November 27, 2023, and close December 18, 2023.

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Inaugural Reading with Louisiana Poet Laureate Alison Pelegrin

Join the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities in welcoming Louisiana’s newest poet laureate, Alison Pelegrin, at her inaugural reading in the post on October 4, 2023.

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Announcing Louisiana’s Next Poet Laureate

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, along with Gov. John Bel Edwards, is proud to announce Louisiana’s newest Poet Laureate, Alison Pelegrin.

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Four Sites Receive Grants to Host “Iron Sharpens Iron” Currents Program

LEH’s popular reading and discussion series, Currents, which includes the book club programs “Who Gets to Vote?” and “Witness to Change,” expands to include a film discussion program on “Iron Sharpens Iron.”

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Emergency Preparedness & Response Workshops This Summer Across Louisiana

This June join the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Louisiana Association of Museums, and cultural heritage specialist Rebecca Elder for Culture Ready LA, a series of day-long workshops that will be held across the state on planning for emergencies involving nonprofit cultural organizations.

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Nominations Sought for New Louisiana Poet Laureate

The LEH, authorized by the Governor and State of Louisiana, is seeking nominations for Louisiana’s next Poet Laureate. The public is welcome to submit recommendations now through February 16, 2023.

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Five Sites to Host Currents Reading and Discussion Programs in 2023

Beginning in January 2023 five sites will host programs from LEH’s Currents reading and discussion program series, centered on timely humanities topics and hosted by libraries and other community-based nonprofits. 

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“Iron Sharpens Iron” to Screen at 2022 New Orleans Film Festival

We’re pleased to announce that the LEH-produced documentary “Iron Sharpens Iron” has been selected to screen at the 2022 New Orleans Film Festival (NOFF).

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Two Screenings of “Iron Sharpens Iron” in Plaquemines Parish

“Iron Sharpens Iron” (2022) chronicles Ironton’s fight against the development of the Plaquemines Liquids Terminal (PLT) atop land that includes the community’s ancestral burial grounds, as well as the destruction wrought by Hurricane Ida.

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“Who Gets to Vote” 2022 Schedule of Programs Announced

LEH’s Who Gets to Vote? Conversations on Voting Rights in America is a book club program focused on fostering conversations about the history of voting—and efforts to suppress the vote—in the United States.

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Premiere of New LEH-produced Documentary June 8

“Iron Sharpens Iron”, a new documentary by John Richie and produced by the LEH set to premiere June 8, captures the community of Ironton’s struggles against racism, industrial encroachment, and extreme weather.

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Smithsonian Exhibit Examining Voting Rights Coming to Towns Across Louisiana

The exhibition “Voices and Votes” is the centerpiece of Who Gets to Vote?, a statewide LEH initiative focused on civic engagement.

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Virtual Event on Changing Role of the Black Press in Louisiana Life

On Wednesday, May 18, join us for a free, virtual forum on the changing role of the Black press in Louisiana and American life.

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LEH to host virtual program on coastal land loss and culture

Join 64 Parishes and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities for a candid conversation on how extreme weather and coastal land loss are affecting culture, community, and tradition across South Louisiana.

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Inaugural reading with Louisiana Poet Laureate Mona Lisa Saloy

On Wednesday, September 29, at 7 p.m., join the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities in welcoming Louisiana’s newest poet laureate, Mona Lisa Saloy, at her inaugural reading in the post.

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Introducing Louisiana’s next Poet Laureate: Mona Lisa Saloy

The LEH and Governor John Bel Edwards are proud to announce Louisiana’s newest Poet Laureate, Mona Lisa Saloy. Following John Warner Smith’s successful tenure as poet laureate from 2019 through August 13 of this year, Saloy will assume the post beginning August 14 and serve for two years.

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Congratulations to Paul Michael Wright, Inaugural Gustave Blache III Art Scholarship Winner

We are pleased to announce that Paul Michael Wright, the first recipient of the Gustave Blache III Art Scholarship for Aspiring Artists to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in illustration at the School of Visual Arts, completed his degree in May.

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Smithsonian’s “Water/Ways” exhibition begins new tour May 29

The new tour of Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street exhibition “Water/Ways” opens Saturday, May 29, at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve’s Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center in Thibodaux.

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Poetry in a Pandemic: John Warner Smith on His Unusual Tenure as Louisiana Poet Laureate

Join Louisiana Poet Laureate John Warner Smith for a conversation with Baton Rouge-based spoken-word poet Chancelier “xero” Skidmore on poetry and the pandemic.

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LEH to host Martha S. Jones in Conversation with Leslie Harris

On Wednesday, April 21, join the LEH and Leslie Harris for a conversation with Martha Jones on her groundbreaking book “Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All,” as part of Who Gets to Vote?

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LEH Accepting Nominations for Louisiana’s Next Poet Laureate

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, authorized by the Governor and State of Louisiana, is seeking nominations for Louisiana’s next Poet Laureate.

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Mellon Foundation Grant Supports New “Who Gets to Vote?” Initiative

Thanks to support from the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the LEH will soon be launching in a series of public humanities programs on the history of voting—and efforts to suppress the vote—in the US.

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Join the LEH for a virtual lecture and discussion of the legacies of the 19th Amendment

Historian Lisa Tetrault will clarify the history of women’s suffrage by positioning 1920 as the middle of a much larger story about the pursuit of voting rights, a struggle that is today unfinished and ongoing.

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Louisiana Poet Laureate John Warner Smith Awarded Prestigious Fellowship

The Academy of American Poets has awarded Louisiana Poet Laureate John Warner Smith a prestigious Laureate Fellowship, given to honor poets of literary merit serving in civic positions around the country. Smith, who was named to the Poet Laureate position in…

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Smithsonian’s Museums on Main Street to return to Louisiana

LEH accepting applications for 2021–22 Museum on Main Street Water/Ways traveling exhibition! The Smithsonian Institution and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities have partnered to bring a new tour of the powerful Museum on Main…

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Inaugural reading with new Louisiana Poet Laureate October 9

Louisiana’s new Poet Laureate, John Warner Smith, will give his inaugural reading in the post Wednesday, October 9, from 6:30–7:30 p.m., at the Louisiana Humanities Center, 938 Lafayette Street in New Orleans. Admission to the event is free. Chosen by Governor…

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John Warner Smith Named Louisiana Poet Laureate for 2019-21

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, along with Governor John Bel Edwards, is proud to announce Louisiana’s newest Poet Laureate, John Warner Smith. Following Jack Bedell’s successful tenure as poet laureate , Smith will assume the post beginning…

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Museum on Main Street Arrives in Braithwaite

The Smithsonian exhibit kicks off its first of six stops throughout Louisiana.

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“Purchased Lives” Tour Makes Final Stop in Lake Charles

Calcasieu Parish Library hosts the final event of the 14 month exhibition.

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“Purchased Lives” in Lake Charles

Purchased Lives is a traveling panel exhibition exploring the history of the domestic slave trade.

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Inaugural reading by new poet laureate Jack Bedell

Louisiana Humanities Center set to host selected readings from Louisiana’s new poet laureate.

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Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge

The free festival will feature more than 250 authors and panelists and activities for both children and adults.

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“Purchased Lives” in Thibodaux and New Roads

Purchased Lives is a traveling panel exhibition exploring the history of the domestic slave trade.

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Photographer Zack Smith opens his new gallery

Showcase of new space will feature premier of his recent work.

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“Purchased Lives” in New Iberia through Aug. 28

Purchased Lives is a traveling panel exhibition exploring the history of the domestic slave trade.

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Jack Bedell Appointed 2017-19 Louisiana Poet Laureate

Southeastern professor selected by Gov. John Bel Edwards.

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New Incubator Space for Cultural Creatives

Know a start-up that needs small office space? We have resources to help!

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LEH Sends Three Nominations to Governor for Poet Laureate

Louisiana is one step closer to naming its next poet laureate.

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LEH Seeks Poet Laureate Nominations

The LEH is seeking nominations for Louisiana’s next Poet Laureate.

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The Frame: A Louisiana Photography Podcast

Series showcases on Louisiana photographers through free public events that are recorded and distributed as podcasts.

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Feb. 18: St. Francisville’s Writers and Readers Symposium

Louisiana Poet Laureate Peter Cooley read and discuss his poems and creative process.

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LEH Accepting Nominations for 2017-19 Poet Laureate

The LEH is seeking nominations for Louisiana’s next Poet Laureate.

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“Hometown Teams” in the Homestretch

“Hometown Teams” exhibition currently touring Louisiana with LEH support.

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Museum on Main Street’s “Hometown Teams” Opens in Long Leaf

“Hometown Teams” exhibition currently touring Louisiana with LEH support.

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Hometown Teams Closes Sept. 24 in Ruston

Museum on Main Street exhibition “Hometown Teams” is sponsored by the LEH and the Smithsonian Institute.

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August 12 – Modernist Architecture Book Talk

LEH will host a book talk The Modernist Architecture of Samuel G. and William B. Wiener.

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August 13 – “Hometown Teams” Hits Ruston

Lincoln Parish Library hosts “Hometown Teams” August 13 through September 24.

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Lt. Gov. Nungesser Hosts “Hometown Teams” Opening in Natchitoches

Lieutenant Governor joined supporters to kick off “Hometown Teams” in Natchitoches.

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Last Days to Catch Hometown Teams in Homer – Next Up: Natchitoches!

Exhibition continues at the Claiborne Parish Library in Homer until June 18.

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May 13: “Museum on Main Street” Pitches in Homer

The Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street honors the legendary Homer High School Pelicans.

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May 17: Lean In to Eve Abrams’ Listening Party and Conversation

The Louisiana Humanities Center hosts a listening party and conversation on the latest episode of Unprisoned: Stories From The System.

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Love How “Studia Humanitatis” Video Illuminates Our Mission

Watch a new video illustrating for today’s audiences how the LEH shares and illuminates our culture.

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April 14: Meet Peter Cooley, Louisiana Poet Laureate

April is National Poetry Month — read on to learn where Louisiana’s poets will perform.

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“Hometown Teams” Hits Home Run in Winnsboro, Races to Homer

Re-live small-town glory days through the Smithsonian’s Hometown Teams exhibitions.

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Friday, March 11, Public Unveiling of New Culture-Up! in the CBD

Councilmember LaToya Cantrell will unveil Culture-Up! at a press conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

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“Hometown Teams” Kicks Off in Winnsboro on March 19

The Old Post Office Museum kicks off the Louisiana tour of “Hometown Teams,” a Museum on Main Street exhibition.

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March 22, LCV Sponsors Photographers, Culture Bearers Roundtable

Professional and amateur photographers in New Orleans prepare to hit the streets.

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March 31, “Latino Americans in Lafayette” Film Screening and Discussion

LEH hosts lively interchange and oral histories from Lafayette’s Latino community.

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Deadline Extended–Bring the Smithsonian to Your Hometown!

Museum on Main Street tour slots open.

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Local Sports Celebrated in Smithsonian Exhibit

LEH calls for applications to host 2016-17 Smithsonian traveling exhibit.

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LEH Accepting Nominations for Louisiana Poet Laureate 2015-17

Nominations for new Louisiana poet laureate due Feb. 27.

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Poet Laureate and LEH Celebrate Festival of Words in Grand Coteau

The 7th annual Festival of Words took place November 6–8 in Grand Coteau in St. Landry Parish.

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