Stories in Action

“Polk Street: Lives in Transition,” an exhibit of photographs and audio on the changing face of San Francisco’s Polk Street. Through August 25. Good Vibrations Polk Street Gallery, 1620 Polk Street (at Sacramento). More.

“Stories in the Sand II,” a teen photography and writing exhibit captures the little noticed in the town. Through September 30. Ridgecrest Branch Library, 131 East Las Flores Avenue. More.

The grant guidelines for the 2009 round of funding for the California Documentary Project are now available. Applicants may apply for either a research and development grant or a production grant. The proposal deadline is October 1, 2009. Attend a proposal workshop to learn how to apply for a grant. The California Documentary Project supports film, radio and new media projects that document the California experience and explore issues of significance to Californians. Find out about previously funded projects.

Congratulations to Jim Leach, who was confirmed by the Senate today to be the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Council is NEH’s state partner. During his 30 years in the House of Representatives, Leach founded and was co-chairman of the Congressional Humanities Caucus, which advocates in the House on behalf of the humanities and seeks to raise the profile of humanities nationwide. Leach begins work at NEH next week. We wish him all the best and look forward to working with him in the months ahead.