Humanities Washington

Humanities Washington opens minds and bridges divides by creating spaces to explore different perspectives.

Why Washington needs the humanities

Healthy minds--and healthy societies--require places for learning and reflection. They need spaces to dig more deeply, connect face-to-face, and grapple with conflict and new ideas. Yet as we spend more time online, we become less engaged in civic life, more hypnotized by filter bubbles, and quick to accept the easy answer. In large and small towns across the state, Humanities Washington creates these spaces. We hold hundreds of events each year led by cultural experts, scholars, and storytellers, who discuss everything from Washington State history to philosophy to current social issues. In libraries, museums, and other community spaces, we bring people together to consider what it means to be human, and to reflect on our shared past, present, and future.

But all of this is in danger. After extreme cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities, our work in your community is at risk. 

What does a vibrant Washington look like to you?

The Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program pairs master artists with apprentices to preserve the cultural traditions that define our Washington communities. Over the course of a year, they work side by side to pass down skills, knowledge, and living heritage.

In its seven years, the program has supported music, dance, food, language, visual art, and ceremonial traditions spanning Indigenous Tribes of the Americas and cultures from around the world. These are the traditions that, woven together, form the vibrant cultural tapestry of Washington state.

Last year, Master Artist Kevin Okcheon Shim worked with his apprentice Che Sehyun on Songpa Sande Nori Talchum, a traditional mask dance from Korea. He had this to say about the Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program.

"This program allowed us to elevate and share our culture, grow a community around our traditions, and support the next generation. My apprentice has now started his own team under my guidance and it breathes life and love back into the dance, something I had almost given up on since it was so challenging to continue by myself. I have been doing this same dance for almost 50 years now and I can finally see a future of it here in Washington."

How much does the Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program cost?

$100: Travel costs to bring Humanities Washington staff to document the work being done by a HAAP team

$1000: Material costs for a Master/Apprentice pair project

$4000: The stipend for a year of a Master Artist's time as they pass on skill and knowledge to an apprentice

A generous supporter has offered to match gifts up to $20,000. Help Humanities Washington unlock this opportunity with a donation today!