About Us
CONGRATULATIONS CYCLE #14 NONPROFIT
GRANT RECIPIENT, RHODE ISLAND BLACK STORYTELLERS!
Click here to learn about Cycle #34 artist mini-grant winner, Joyce Lin.
The following are excerpts from their proposal:
RIBS is dedicated to promoting the awareness, appreciation and application of Black storytelling through performances, workshops, educational, historical and cultural experiences for all people. RIBS defines Black Storytelling as the oral art and performance of African and African descended people worldwide.
Storytelling is a form of "edu-tainment." It is an entertaining way for all people to experience Black history and culture.
RIBS wants Black children to be exposed to Black artists who share Black history and culture through storytelling. Research shows that people who know their history and culture are happier, better adjusted, and more likely to succeed later in life. All students will benefit from the programming. Our tellers present alternatives to the dominant narrative about Black folks presented in much of the daily media young people are exposed to today.
RIBS presents its annual flagship program, FUNDA FEST: A Celebration of Black Storytelling for one week each year. Rhode Island Black Storytellers and invited regional, national and international guests perform across the state in schools, and public venues across the state reaching over 5000 people.
Through the Storytelling In the Schools Programs, RIBS and FUNDA FEST present over 40 shows to school children and staff, giving them the opportunity to experience high quality cultural edu-tainment that meets curricular needs addressing literacy, history and cultural studies.
RIBS presents workshops for educators and families to provide opportunities for others to learn storytelling skills and enjoy the community engagement that happens in a storytelling experience.
RIBS is committed to using storytelling to help people connect to themselves, their history and one another. We believe this is vital work for bringing healing to our communities.
RIBS strives to increase access to experiential learning for K-3 students in underserved communities, and expand the availability of and enrollment in out-of-school time programs available to BIPOC
(Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) youth.
Grant funds will be used to cover the cost of summer and school vacation storytelling camp tuitions for disadvantaged children.
Integrity: Arts & Culture Association is honored to approve
Rhode Island Black Storytellers' funding request
and we wish them continued success in their mission.
Your nonprofit organization may be the next grant winner! Click here to apply.
There is no specific type of artist that we focus on or primarily support. Creative expression comes in a wide variety of artistic disciplines and genres. We are looking for passion and excellence in your craft. Tell us why your work is important to you and how you hope it will impact others.
Where Eagles Soar (Isaiah 40:31)
Congratulations to Rhode Island Black Storytellers
on a successful grant application!
Valerie Tutson, Executive Director
Photo Copyright © Valerie Tutson
Storyteller Raffini takes on a fanciful summer journey.
Ever wonder how spiders got such thin waists? Len Cabral fills us in.
