Visit the National Humanities Center's Upcoming Being Human Festival in 2025
The National Humanities Center is gearing up for its much-anticipated second annual Being Human Festival, set to take place from April 12 to April 28, 2025. With a broad array of engaging activities across sixteen unique locations in the United States, this year’s festival promises to further explore the empowering aspects of the humanities in our communities.
This festival builds on the momentum and success of last year’s inaugural event, expanding its reach significantly by offering nearly double the number of activities. Designed around the theme of 'landmarks,' it aims to reveal the profound connections between local history and the humanities in diverse communities. Each event is orchestrated by local artists, scholars, and educators who bring their unique perspectives and insights into the significance of understanding our cultural landmarks.
Among the vibrant lineup, attendees can look forward to a project honoring childhood immigration through mural art, a walking tour showcasing the Vietnamese community in Denver, and a reflective public event centered on local history through the lens of a cemetery. Events also celebrate Indigenous communities, offering participants a unique opportunity to learn, engage, and reflect on the diverse cultural landscapes that shape the U.S. today.
Interim president and director of the National Humanities Center, J. Porter Durham, expressed excitement about the extensive collaboration with various researchers and organizations for this year's festival. Durham emphasizes that the festival's events are not merely explorations of humanities but also vital steps in fostering community engagement and understanding through shared narratives.
Supported by grants from the National Humanities Center, the participating organizations will present a plethora of thought-provoking events. State-by-state highlights include:
Arkansas: On April 19, “History Passport Reconnecting German Settlers and their Arkansas Neighbors” will take place in Cane Hill and Dutch Mills, exploring the historical ties between communities.
California: A celebration of cultural food and storytelling will unfold on April 26 in Los Angeles, led by the Cartonera Santanera Collective.
Florida: The festival will feature events like “I Am Little Haiti,” highlighting the cultural synergy between Miami and the Caribbean, and “Echoes of the Land,” focusing on hurricane history and storytelling on April 26 in St. Petersburg.
Georgia: Macon will host “Ocmulgee Rising,” a lively celebration of Muscogee creativity on April 24, featuring Indigenous art and culture.
As part of a global initiative, this festival draws inspiration from the original Being Human Festival in the United Kingdom, which began in 2014, and aims to nurture an appreciation for the humanities across borders. The concept of sharing and embracing diverse expressions of culture connects communities through the understanding of collective histories.
In past years, Being Human Festivals were also successfully held in countries including France, Italy, Romania, and Singapore, emphasizing the festival's growing international reach. A sister festival has been established in Melbourne, Australia since 2017, illustrating the global passion for celebrating the humanities.
With an impressive roster of events lined up for 2025, the National Humanities Center invites everyone to partake in the festivities. This is an excellent chance to engage with our surroundings and the meaningful stories that landmarks hold in our histories. Whether through vibrant arts, interactive storytelling, or reflective discussions, the Being Human Festival encourages personal connections with the humanities, reminding us that they are integral to understanding ourselves and each other in today’s complex world.
Stay tuned for further updates on event specifics and registration details through the National Humanities Center's channels. Join the journey of discovery and appreciation this April as communities gather to celebrate the power of humanities.
This festival builds on the momentum and success of last year’s inaugural event, expanding its reach significantly by offering nearly double the number of activities. Designed around the theme of 'landmarks,' it aims to reveal the profound connections between local history and the humanities in diverse communities. Each event is orchestrated by local artists, scholars, and educators who bring their unique perspectives and insights into the significance of understanding our cultural landmarks.
Among the vibrant lineup, attendees can look forward to a project honoring childhood immigration through mural art, a walking tour showcasing the Vietnamese community in Denver, and a reflective public event centered on local history through the lens of a cemetery. Events also celebrate Indigenous communities, offering participants a unique opportunity to learn, engage, and reflect on the diverse cultural landscapes that shape the U.S. today.
Interim president and director of the National Humanities Center, J. Porter Durham, expressed excitement about the extensive collaboration with various researchers and organizations for this year's festival. Durham emphasizes that the festival's events are not merely explorations of humanities but also vital steps in fostering community engagement and understanding through shared narratives.
Supported by grants from the National Humanities Center, the participating organizations will present a plethora of thought-provoking events. State-by-state highlights include:
Arkansas: On April 19, “History Passport Reconnecting German Settlers and their Arkansas Neighbors” will take place in Cane Hill and Dutch Mills, exploring the historical ties between communities.
California: A celebration of cultural food and storytelling will unfold on April 26 in Los Angeles, led by the Cartonera Santanera Collective.
Florida: The festival will feature events like “I Am Little Haiti,” highlighting the cultural synergy between Miami and the Caribbean, and “Echoes of the Land,” focusing on hurricane history and storytelling on April 26 in St. Petersburg.
Georgia: Macon will host “Ocmulgee Rising,” a lively celebration of Muscogee creativity on April 24, featuring Indigenous art and culture.
As part of a global initiative, this festival draws inspiration from the original Being Human Festival in the United Kingdom, which began in 2014, and aims to nurture an appreciation for the humanities across borders. The concept of sharing and embracing diverse expressions of culture connects communities through the understanding of collective histories.
In past years, Being Human Festivals were also successfully held in countries including France, Italy, Romania, and Singapore, emphasizing the festival's growing international reach. A sister festival has been established in Melbourne, Australia since 2017, illustrating the global passion for celebrating the humanities.
With an impressive roster of events lined up for 2025, the National Humanities Center invites everyone to partake in the festivities. This is an excellent chance to engage with our surroundings and the meaningful stories that landmarks hold in our histories. Whether through vibrant arts, interactive storytelling, or reflective discussions, the Being Human Festival encourages personal connections with the humanities, reminding us that they are integral to understanding ourselves and each other in today’s complex world.
Stay tuned for further updates on event specifics and registration details through the National Humanities Center's channels. Join the journey of discovery and appreciation this April as communities gather to celebrate the power of humanities.
Topics People & Culture）
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