California Council for the Humanities Kicks Off 2012 with New Name, Website, and Statewide Initiative

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The California Council for the Humanities today unveiled its new name, Cal Humanities, along with a new graphic identity, website and a statewide initiative to underscore the organization's increased efforts to promote the humanities as accessible, relevant, and meaningful ways to better understand the human condition.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120228/DC61393LOGO)

As an independent, non-profit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the California Council for the Humanities was originally created as a granting organization but began to create and manage humanities programs and projects of its own in the early 1990s. Cal Humanities now plays a critical role across the state in producing, funding, and supporting cultural experiences in media, literature, discussion programs, and more. Since its founding, Cal Humanities has provided nearly $25 million in funding for humanities programs throughout the state.

"Through engaging and inspiring works, we encourage Californians to learn more, dig deeper, and start conversations that matter to create a 'state of open mind,'" said Ralph Lewin, President and CEO of Cal Humanities, referring to the organization's new tagline. "The humanities play a critical role in helping us to understand the human condition, to examine our different perspectives, and to explore what ultimately connects us."

Cal Humanities will provide such opportunities through its existing programs – the California Documentary Project, Community Stories (formerly the California Story Fund), Now We're Talking (formerly Making a Difference), and more – and with a new initiative that will officially launch next month. Searching for Democracy will aim to animate public conversation on the very nature of democracy through a wide range of public programs leading into the 2012 elections and beyond.

In addition, the new Cal Humanities website and blog will serve as a key resource for the public and other organizations – for Cal Humanities programs and initiatives as well as ongoing updates and conversations. The new website aims to be more interactive and accessible, providing a diverse audience with meaningful humanities experiences and the opportunity to engage with other Californians.

"Both our website and programs will work to connect Californians by embracing different kinds of people and different kinds of ideas," said Lewin. "Culture is a living, breathing, growing thing that comes from many perspectives and experiences. Californians themselves are diverse in their backgrounds and thinking, which is why we want our work to be open, accessible and representative of all these rich aspects of our state's diversity – and potential."

Cal Humanities encourages organizations and the public to explore its new website and blog to learn more about its mission and the various opportunities for Californians to participate in conversations that matter.

About Cal Humanities

Cal Humanities (formerly the California Council for the Humanities) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of the human condition. We produce, fund, and support cultural experiences in media, literature, discussion programs and more. Through engaging and inspiring work, we encourage our audiences to learn more, dig deeper, and start conversations that matter to create a State of Open Mind. Originally founded in 1975, Cal Humanities is a partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities and a leader in statewide humanities programming and grant funding. For more information, visit www.calhum.org.

SOURCE Cal Humanities