Somali Cultural Presentation
The Somali Museum of Minnesota will develop a series of programs for Somali and non-Somali audiences for public viewing and education. All programs are designed to amplify, celebrate, and preserve Somali culture and will include activities such as artist talks, demonstrations, dance performances, exhibitions, and poetry readings. Some will be performed live; others will be recorded in studio, videographed and edited for viewing by an audience. A written text will accompany each performance.
2022-2023 Cultural Heritage and Community Identity Grants - Spring 2022
Outcome: Programs in Somali art and culture will become available to Minnesotans who historically do not access arts programing, including Somali-American youth and elders
-Evidence: Participants will access programming that was otherwise unavailable
-Evidence: Somali Museum will increase programs offered by 15% from 2020-2021
Outcome: Somali-American youth will access Somali traditional art forms, which were previously unavailable to them
-Evidence: Youth will give testimony about their new exposure to Somali art forms
Outcome: Non-Somali Minnesotans will participate in programs about Somali culture and art for the first time
-Evidence: Participants will give testimony about their new exposure to Somali art
The funding received by the Somali Museum has allowed for the successful implementation of various cultural events and initiatives. These events have brought together diverse communities in Minneapolis, including the African American, Asian, Native American, Pan African, and Scandinavian communities. The outcomes achieved through these events are as follows:
Community Event Dinner:The community event dinner served as a platform for fostering intercultural connections and understanding among different communities in Minneapolis. By bringing together various cultural groups, the dinner created opportunities for dialogue, shared experiences, and appreciation of diverse traditions and heritage.
Flag Song Recording: Collaborating with local Somali artists and youth, the Somali Museum recorded a flag song. This initiative aimed to celebrate Somali culture, promote artistic expression, and provide a platform for young talents to showcase their creativity and passion. The recording serves as a tangible outcome of the collaboration and cultural preservation efforts.
Book Reading: The book reading event, titled "Sincerely, Somali," provided a platform for Somali authors and poets to share their literary works. This event fostered community engagement and highlighted the richness of Somali literature and storytelling traditions. The outcome of the book reading was the promotion and appreciation of Somali written works within and beyond the Somali community.
Articles on Oral Traditions and Baraanbur: The Somali Museum's publication of articles on oral traditions and Baraanbur contributed to the documentation and preservation of Somali cultural heritage. These articles served as educational resources, providing insights into the importance and significance of oral traditions and the traditional dance form of Baraanbur. The outcome of these articles was the dissemination of knowledge and the promotion of cultural understanding.
McKnight Foundation - $10,000
Bashir Sheikh, Accountant Manager, Baz Accounting Accounts and financial management specialist
Kate Roberts, Secretary Ph D, Art HistorySenior Exhibit Developer, Minnesota Historical Society
Busad Ali Kheyre, Board Member Social Worker, Somali Senior Center, Minneapolis Elders' rights advocate, liaison to network of Somali elders
Asha Hibad, Board Member Director, Somali Senior Center, Minneapolis Organizational management specialist
Abdullahi Samater, Board MemberSchool Security Officer, Ubah Medical Academy Education advisor, community fundraising expert
Fartun Wardhere, Board Member Community organizer president for serenity recovery center llc
Mohamed Ahmed Kayd, Board Member Director, kayd foundationAare health system llc. ceo.
Eric Larson, Board Member Executive Director, Clinical ServicesThe Lovaas Institute for Early Intervention