PROGRAMS AND SPECIAL INITIATIVES

Seeking to understand who we are, who we were and who we aspire to be.

Our programs are dedicated to enriching public understanding and appreciation of the humanities. We cater to a wide audience, encompassing academic scholars and the general public alike. Key programs such as the Grant Program, the Speakers Bureau, and New Mexico National History Day form the core of our efforts, each playing a distinct role in promoting an understanding of the human experience and fostering open dialogue.

Our main programs are complemented by special initiatives that address specific, often urgent, opportunities or challenges. These initiatives are typically crafted in response to contemporary cultural or social issues that align with significant national priorities in the public humanities. We have undertaken a variety of special initiatives, ranging from commemorative programs that mark important anniversaries in our nation’s history, to programs initiated by the President, the Federation of State Humanities Councils, or the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Chair, aimed at tackling relevant contemporary issues.

The nature of these initiatives is project-based and time-limited, with a focus on achieving specific objectives and goals set forth by our parent organization, the NEH. By participating in these NEH led initiatives, the New Mexico Humanities Council contributes to a national discourse on our shared history and the values that unite us as a nation. Our involvement in these initiatives underscores our commitment to cultivating an informed and engaged citizenry.

An addition to our suite of initiatives is the NEH’s “United We Stand: Connecting Through Culture.” The NEH’s response to stem the nationwide increase of domestic extremism and hate-motivated violence provides funding to support and create humanities programs that encourage civil discussion, promote civic engagement, inspire compassion, and create cross-cultural understanding. This initiative currently underway is available through the Speakers Bureau program, which includes a special curated list on topics relevant to these themes. The NMHC is also collaborating with The Children’s Hour to produce Communication Nation, a free radio, podcast, and curriculum series that explore various forms of communication through languages, verbal abilities, media, and community building.

In addition to our NEH special programs, the New Mexico Humanities Council actively seeks collaboration with both new and established partners. These partnerships are instrumental in broadening the scope of our engagement and enhancing our ability to fulfill our mission. They are vital in helping the NMHC address issues and subjects that are relevant to our state’s diverse communities.

Overall, our commitment to these programs and initiatives reflects our dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience through the lens of the humanities. Through our programs and projects, we aim to inspire, educate and engage audiences, contributing to a richer, more informed public discourse and enhancing the civic and cultural life of New Mexicans.

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CELEBRATE AND LEARN ABOUT DIVERSE CULTURAL HISTORIES YEAR-ROUND

We seek to partner with organizations with programming that help us reflect on the human condition, our lived experiences, and the ties that unite us through culture, language, ethics, the environment and tradition. Through our engaging projects and programs, we invite public dialogue, celebrate the richness of diverse perspectives, and enrich the civic and cultural life of New Mexicans.