Who We Are

Founded in 1975 with the support of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), Humanities New York (HNY) is one of 56 state and jurisdictional humanities councils. As a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization, we receive funding from private donations, foundations, and institutions in addition to the federal government.

Mission & Vision [BELOW IS FROM PREVIOUS WEBSITE]

The mission of Humanities New York is to strengthen civil society and the bonds of community, using the humanities to foster engaged inquiry and dialogue around social and cultural concerns. To realize its mission, Humanities New York has identified three broad goals with attendant objectives to guide its work over the next three years.

Goal One

To expand the outreach and programming impact of HNY so that all New Yorkers may access the tools and experiences of the humanities.

Goal Two

Reach vulnerable communities and other new audiences and to create programming to serve those communities.

Goal Three

Expand outreach efforts that build the capacity of communities and organizations.

Responsiveness

The humanities can be mobilized quickly, efficiently, and creatively in ways that address emerging, urgent, and changing needs of New Yorkers.

Participation

Participatory experiences foster active learning and meaningful engagement with issues and ideas.

Community

The humanities strengthen connections within and between communities, enriching the lives of New Yorkers.

Understanding

Drawing on the riches of the humanities, New Yorkers discover common values and build a more civil society through reading, listening, discussing, posing questions, and seeking answers.

Access

Providing the broadest access to the humanities requires reading across real and perceived barriers wherever they are found.