#United States #Various #National Humanities Center #Being Human Festival #Humanities Events

National Humanities Center's 2026 Being Human Festival

The National Humanities Center, a key player in the promotion of humanities and public engagement, is thrilled to announce the lineup for its third annual Being Human Festival, scheduled from April 17 to May 3, 2026. This year’s festival promises a rich tapestry of events highlighting the vital role of humanities in everyday life.

A Community-Centric Approach

The 2026 Being Human Festival will feature 23 events across various locations in the United States, including exciting activities such as an interactive theater performance in Kansas, a public art and activism party in Washington D.C., and a literary canoe trip down the Mississippi River. Each event is designed by local artists, scholars, and educators, showcasing the diverse ways in which the humanities illuminate our world and our personal experiences.

Jacqueline Kellish, the vice president for public engagement at the National Humanities Center, emphasized the importance of this festival, stating, _“In this moment, it is essential to promote and preserve the humanities as a public good.”_ The festival serves as a bridge, connecting innovative humanities research with the public in creative and accessible formats.

Thematic Focus

This year, the festival revolves around the theme of “seeing and reading between the lines”. Attendees are encouraged to engage with various topics that explore how meaning is constructed at the intersection of boundaries and spaces. The festival draws inspiration from the established Being Human Festival in the UK, reflecting a broader international commitment to the humanities, which has expanded to various countries, including France, Italy, and Hong Kong.

Highlights of This Year's Festival

The festival features a splendid array of events such as:

• - “Hidden Histories of Farmington” in Farmington, CT on May 3, organized by Miss Porter’s School.
• - “A New Public Imaginary for the Calumet River” in Chicago, IL on April 19, helmed by the Calumet Heritage Partnership.
• - A poignant event titled “Between Life and Loss: Deathwork as Community Work” in New Orleans, LA on April 25.
• - In Los Angeles, CA, event-goers can immerse themselves in the “Living Legends of Drag: Stories of LGBTQ+ Artistry & Culture” on April 22.

Participants in these events will not only learn about historical contexts but also reflect on present societal norms while fostering deep community ties.

The events are selected from a range of proposals received by the National Humanities Center, with the organizers benefiting from grants, instructional sessions, and workshops that promote engaged humanities work. This support aims to enhance public dialogue and appreciation for the humanities.

Connecting Communities Through Humanities

As Blair LM Kelley, president and director of the National Humanities Center, stated, _“We are excited to partner with community researchers and organizations involved in this year's festival.”_ The collaboration will explore how the humanities shape our understanding and appreciation of the intricate web of our lives.

The Being Human Festival is not just a series of events; it is a celebration of culture, history, art, and community engagement. Designed to enrich local communities, it invites people to participate actively, fostering discussions that resonate with their lived experiences.

For further details on individual festival events, and to view the full lineup, visit National Humanities Center. Don't miss out on this opportunity to engage with the humanities in diverse and innovative ways!