building bridges: arts and cultural organizations engaging with the military community

“Building Bridges: Arts and Cultural Organizations Engaging with the Military Community”Western Museums Association – San Jose

Monday, October 26, 2015

Felicia Kelley, PhD, Senior Program OfficerCalifornia Humanities

California Humanities (formerly Cal Humanities) seeks to connect Californians to ideas and one another in order to

understand our shared heritage and diverse cultures, inspire civic participation, and shape our future.

California Humanities is an independent nonprofit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

War Comes Home

• Why?

War Comes Home

Context

War Comes Home

Goals and Objectives

Create opportunities for the veteran voice to be expressed and heard

Deepen understanding and awareness about the experience of coming home after

war/military service

Promote deeper thinking and discussion about the impact of war on California

communities

War Comes Home

Activities and Programs

The Legacy

The Legacy

The Legacy

War Ink

War Ink

• Memorial tattooing is a form of storytelling as well as a cultural signifier

• California veterans – mostly recent conflicts• Diverse experiences and backgrounds• Allows veterans to speak directly to the public and

for the public to “listen”• Thematic organization spans “arc” of veteran

experience – leaving home, service, and return • Images and words

War Ink

“… thank you…for getting it, for letting us tell our stories in our way”

What We’ve Learned

• Many veterans want to share stories, but others are cautious. • Importance of establishing trust and respect.• Partnerships can help bridge divisions – but be careful about

choosing partners. • Exhibits – and stories -- provide good entry points for those

unfamiliar with veteran community.• Veterans are very interested in these topics; may be more

difficult to engage civilians and to get to deeper issues.

www.calhum.org

Northern California Office -- OaklandSouthern California Office -- Los Angeles

Felicia Kelley, Senior Program Officerfkelley@calhum.org (213) 346-3239

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