For Filmmakers
NEH FUNDING INITIATIVE – BRIDGING CULTURES THROUGH FILM: INTERNATIONAL TOPICS – CALL FOR ENTRIES

Deadline: July 28, 2010 (receipt deadline); Notification of awards will be in December 2010.

Bridging Cultures films will spark Americans’ engagement with the wider world through the exploration of countries and cultures outside of the United States, and/or across nations.

Films might take a wide range of approaches to international and transnational topics:

• Examine a critical issue in ethics, religion, or history viewed through an international lens;
• Document the life and work of an international leader, writer, artist or historical figure;
• Explore the history or cultures of a specific region, country or community outside of the United States.

Projects must be analytical and deeply grounded in humanities scholarship. We encourage innovative nonfiction stories and creative formats that will reach broad audiences. Films must range in length from a stand-alone broadcast hour to a feature-length documentary.

Applicants should demonstrate international collaboration by enlisting U.S.-based and non-U.S.-based scholars and/or by working with an international media team.

Two levels of support are available: Development (up to $75,000) and Production (up to $800,000).
Who is eligible? Any U.S. nonprofit organization with IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt status is eligible. Grants are not awarded to individuals. Independent producers who wish to apply are advised to partner with an eligible organization, which can act as fiscal sponsor.

For more information, please contact Division of Public Programs by phone at 202-606-8269 or by email at publicpgms[AT]neh[DOT]gov. All applicants, particularly first-time applicants, are encouraged to contact NEH program officers who will answer questions about the review process, supply samples of similar applications, and review preliminary drafts.

For DC Arts Organizations and Artists…
The DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities offers several funding programs for individuals and nonprofit organizations located in the District of Columbia. Individuals are not required to provide matching funds. Organizations are only required to provide matching funds as indicated. Due dates in January. For more information go here.


From Nycci of “The List” FOODIE EVENT TO RAISE MONEY FOR FISHERMEN ON THE GULF COAST

June 8-9
All Aboard (Raise Money for Fisherman Along the Coast) — In Washington’s Union Station on June 8-9, The Patrón Tequila Epicurean Express will feature a home team of DC’s finest chefs working alongside Louisiana chefs in its galley in order to raise funds for St. Bernard Project – helping the good people of New Orleans get back on their feet, back in their houses, and back to work following Katrina, and most recently, the oil spill. A roster of chefs including New Orleans’ own, Brian Landry of Galatoire’s and Greg Reggio of Zea’s Rotisserie Grill as well as local D.C. Southern style chefs–Ann Cashion, RJ Cooper, pastry chef David Guas, Jeff Tunks, and one chef steeped in French culture, Robert Wiedmaier, will serve up hors d’oeuvres at the Tuesday evening cocktail party (limited to 100 guests, $50 each) and a complete seated dinner on Wednesday June 9 (with room for no more than 20 guests at $250 per person, this is a great opportunity to commandeer the whole car for a very special private party…) Also, legislative conductors involved as honorary hosts include Congressman Charlie and Peachy Melancon, and Senator Mary Landrieu, and the district’s honorary patrons, D.C. City Councilman Jack Evans and Louisiana native and president of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, Lynne Breaux. Ticket prices include all beverages — and no worries about over-imbibing on this rail-journey: the train’s not actually leaving the station, but 100% of all proceeds help the St. Bernard Project, founded by D.C. native, Liz McCartney, so that it can keep chugging along, helping the people of the New Orleans area. To reserve your seat on The Patrón Tequila Epicurean Express for St Bernard Project see: stbernardproject.org

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON, DC Author & Lecture Series
Sunday, June 6
2:30 – 4:00 p.m
Washington at Home: An Illustrated History of Neighborhoods in the Nation’s Capital
Edited By Kathryn Schneider Smith

26 neighborhoods are explored though there are many, many more DC neighborhoods per dc.gov. The book is a revised 2nd edition. Jim Byers of “The Latin Flavor” on WPFW is one of the contributing writers. [Jim and “Metro Mambo” will host their final museum event “Mambo on Air” with live music by Sin Miedo! at the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum June 19.] Kathy is the founding executive director of Cultural Tourism DC and a past president of the Historical Society of Washington, DC