We are so proud of all that our grantees have accomplished with funding from our Public Program Grants and Mini Grants for Rural Libraries. Here are some highlights from organizations throughout Oregon:
Bridgeworks Oregon's Pony Xpress Dialogues (Portland)
“As a writer and artist, I have needed to express my materials, my words. In life as a prisoner, it is uncommon to have people willing to listen, to hear, even more to understand. The PonyXpress provides a platform to practice my only real gift, my writing. It is a place to learn about so many other styles of poets, history of writing, and artists. The best part of our workshops is that at the end of a session, the PonyXpress provides a place for people from the outside world to read my thoughts; hear my art; know my words. Someone knows me for my talents, my love, my gifts, and not just as a prisoner. It’s a blessing.”
—Le’Var Howard, a participant in Pony Xpress Dialogues, a series of programs presented by Bridgeworks Oregon in which incarcerated writers share ideas and stories to broaden community understanding. This program was funded by a Public Program Grant from Oregon Humanities.
MediaRites' Cultural Threads (Portland)
"We really appreciate the opportunity to have these conversations. It’s so important for [AANHPI] communities to discuss our cultural and historic contributions in Oregon, especially when they’re rarely taught in schools or colleges. It’s rare for traditional theaters to honor the cultural and historic threads that go into creating art while discussing the barriers that prevent mainstream knowledge about them. This type of direct engagement with audiences helps to combat xenophobia and racism."
—Dmae Lo Roberts, executive producer of MediaRites, which recieved a Public Program Grant for a series of panel discussions about the importance of “Asian Joy" in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Participants from left to right: Min Kahng, Dmae Lo Roberts, Gloria Lee, and Minh Tran.
Caretakers of the Land and the Ascension School Camp and Conference Center's Xmaash Tamachyt/Camas Bake (Cove)
"This grant funding was a major boost of support for our organization. On top of enabling another year of practicing this art together as a community, we were also able to purchase gear and tools that will last for many years of camps. It gave us that much more encouragement to keep moving forward with this work, which in turn showed other members and leaders in our community that we are dedicated to carrying this on year after year. This has boosted our support and continues to deepen our outreach and connections throughout the Pacific Northwest."
—Bobby Fossek, leader of Naknuwithlama Tiichamna (Caretakers of the Land), which received, in partnership with the Ascension School Camp and Conference Center, a Public Program Grant for Xmaash Tamachyt (Camas Bake), a series of cultural immersion camps led by Indigenous culture-keepers and language instructors.
Rogue Valley Mentoring's Youth Panel (Medford)
“This event provided Jackson County youth with a platform to share their challenges, joys, and hopes in their own voices. It also gave community decision-makers an opportunity to hear directly from youth about the things that impact them.”
—Jenna Sather, of Rogue Valley Mentoring, which received a 2022 Public Program Grant for their Annual Youth Panel. Youth participants from left to right: Josie, Jasmatae, Jazz, Dylan, Caden, and Emilio.
Cada Casa's Bigger Than Hip Hop workshops (Portland)
"Although all students walked in as a fan of Hip Hop culture (whether that be graffiti writing, hip hop music, dance, or fashion), almost none of them knew about the historical underpinnings of that art form. Gaining an understanding of how these art forms were created and the cultural significance allowed students the ability to appreciate them and compare them to modern interpretations."
—Tymon Emch, Founder and Educational Director of Cada Casa. Cada Casa received a Public Program Grant for a series of workshops exploring the historical and cultural relevance of the different disciplines of Hip Hop.
Comunidad y Herencia's Cultural's Cultural Roots Program (Springfield)
"We have offered over 20 events providing opportunities for community dialogues, meaningful engagement, and learning opportunities [...] These activities are designed to build a sense of community and belonging for our Latinx families, provide learning opportunities for non-Latinx participants, and to provide an opportunity for Latinx youth to connect, learn and experience the richness of their cultural heritage."
—Jose Antonio Huerta, director of Comunidad y Herencia Cultural, which received a Public Program Grant to support lectures, workshops, and dialogues exploring the history, identity, and presence of the Charro (Mexican horseman) and Escaramuza (Mexican horsewoman) in the Pacific Northwest.
Forest Grove City Library's Anywhere But Here Series (Forest Grove)
"Wonderful reminder of how recent this 'history' was, of how far we've come, but how far we still have to go."
—Visitor comment about Anywhere But Here at Forest Grove City Library, which was funded in part by a Mini Grant for Rural Libraries. This series of programs on housing discrimination in Oregon was presented in partnership with the Fair Housing Council of Oregon (FHCO). It included an exhibit and a series of community conversations about the history of housing discrimination, current housing trends, and future challenges.
Newport Public Library's Curiosity Cabinet Project (Newport)
"We had over 1,697 people participate in this program [...] People were able to learn about other cultures, connect with people they might not come into contact with regularly, learn from each other, bond over food, try new recipes, and step out of the comfort zone."
—Laura Kimberly, Library Director at Newport Public Library, which received a Public Program Grant to support cultural and educational experiences through food. The program featured a cabinet of donated culturally-specific foods made available to the public, cooking demonstrations, and displays at the library featuring culinary books, recipes, and photos that program participants took of the food they created from the ingredients and knowledge gained during the program.
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