Humanities During the Pandemic
In 2020 and 2021, Wisconsin Humanities provided rapid-response funding to nonprofit humanities and cultural organizations facing financial hardship resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. These WH CARES grants were followed by WH Recovery Grants. To date, we have awarded over 1.3 million dollars to over 150 nonprofit organizations across the state. We have been hearing that these funds have provided crucial support during difficult times. Some of these stories are shared here.
Funding for the CARES grants was been provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act economic stabilization plan. A list of CARES grantees is below.
Funding for the RECOVERY grants was provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. A list of Recovery grantees is below.
Stories of the Humanities at Work During the Pandemic
Fermentation Fest 2020
Over the course of nine days in the fall of 2020, visitors stayed 'one cow apart' to experience the creative work that farmers and artists do everyday. Wisconsin Humanities is proud to have supported the biennial Art/Farm DTour, produced by Wormfarm Institute, and spoke with the project director recently to learn about how special adaptations were made to keep visitors, and presenters, safe during the pandemic. What was learned, and how will this impact future fests?
Walker’s Point Center for the Arts
For over 30 years, Walker’s Point Center for the Arts has been a vibrant local hub for arts education, exhibition, and engagement.
Kenosha Historical Society & Museums
Kenosha, Wisconsin, is a city with a rich history. Its harbor on Lake Michigan brought the very first settlers to the region and has brought many types of industry.
Superior Public Museums
Superior Public Museums strives to preserve the rich history of Superior, Wisconsin, and to share that history with the community.
Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center
Norskedalen is a unique place that allows visitors to reflect on human heritage, the natural world, and how the two intertwine.
Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac
The Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac has a special place in the hearts of many area families. Children come to play, learn, and forge lasting connections with their caregivers and their community.
Lodi Public Library
Public libraries offer so many opportunities for people to engage with history, culture, and ideas—on bookshelves, in community spaces, and even at home.
CARES
Grant Recipients
RECOVERY
Grant Recipients
Other Programs
Community Powered
New ways for Wisconsin communities to tell their stories and take concrete steps toward making their hometowns even better places to live
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Human Powered
A podcast produced by Wisconsin Humanities that spotlights communities where imagination and relationships have changed the landscape.
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Love Wisconsin
A digital storytelling project celebrating the humanity in each of our stories.
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Poet Laureate
Wisconsin’s emissary for poetry, creativity, and artistic expression across the state.
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Wisconsin Life
Radio shorts celebrating Wisconsin through the diverse perspectives of its people.
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