Arts Access Grant

As a result of a pre-workshop for storytellers, local people will earn strategies for developing and telling “overlooked” stories. Contest entrants will learn about their style and presentation from having their stories recorded and judged and finalists will benefit from telling their stories in a competition before an audience. Audience members will be enriched by the intimacy of the storytelling experience and gain awareness of the value of sharing family histories and personal stories. Before they leave the workshop participants will be asked to complete a survey asking if the activity raised their awareness of “overlooked” stories, what they may do next with their stories and if they plan to enter the storytelling contest. Information will be provided on how to seek assistance in recording their entries. At the event audience surveys will be inserted in the program asking whether or not they feel enriched by the intimacy of the storytelling experience, if they gained awareness of the value of sharing family histories and personal stories and whether or not they plan to share their own stories in some way. PRLAAC members and the Great American Story Committee will evaluate the event. PRLAAC members and the Great American Story Committee will evaluate the event at meetings soon afterward. Judges and finalists also will be asked to assess their roles in the contest.