RPM Receives Michigan Humanities H.O.P.E. Grant

Real People Media is grateful to have received a H.O.P.E (Humanities Organizations Pandemic Emergency) Grant award from the Michigan Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The grant is part of the CARES Act funding which was created to assist nonprofits facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The grant for $6,835 was received earlier this summer.

This grant has enabled Real People Media to continue operations of the Keweenaw Storytelling Center, our newly established 7,800 square foot community cultural center in downtown Calumet. With these funds, we were able to install, "Around the World in 80 Hats," an exhibit of ceremonial and utilitarian hats from around the world which shares the art and culture of countries as expressed through these hats. The exhibit will be in place through October 2021 and will be augmented by performances and storytelling events throughout 2021. 

Funding also enabled us to create a socially-distanced theater space for recording and streaming online events so that we may continue performances despite COVID 19.  We recently recorded two new episodes of The Red Jacket Jamboree in this new space. (sans audience)  The theater will be used for live-streaming performances and events beginning in 2021.