Kids Institute, a message from ISC's President + more

A Message from ISC's President

Spring is here (or it's about to be!), which means that storytelling season has arrived in Jonesborough. ISC President Michael Carson reflects on our exciting upcoming events in his latest message on the blog.

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5th Graders Travel the World — for Free — with Kids Institute

Storyteller Antonio Rocha has been to more than 40 countries around the world — and last November, he came to Jonesborough to share some of what he saw. For ISC's 2024 Kids Institute, Antonio crafted a brilliant program for fifth graders, expertly combining storytelling and the kids' school curricula.

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A Look at Storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston's Partnership with the Philadelphia Orchestra

Storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston has been hosting the Philadelphia Orchestra's annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert for more than 20 years! We use the occasion of the orchestra's 35th annual event to take a closer look at Alston's cool and unusual role at one of the nation's premier cultural institutions.

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Learn About History from the People Who Lived It

In 2022, ISC welcomed Leona Tate, Gail Etienne, and Tessie Prevost to the National Storytelling Festival as part of our Legacy Series - a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of Americans who have played a consequential role in the country's history.

In their incredible panel discussion, "Equality's Smallest Soldiers," the women shared their experiences growing up in New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward and the realities of segregation — and desegregation — in their schools. On ISC's website, you can watch their full talk for free, peruse archival photos, and more.

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Congratulations to Storyteller Ray Christian for Winning Two Signal Awards

Storyteller Ray Christian's Podcast What's Ray Saying? won two Signal Awards — the Gold Level History Podcast of the Year and the Listener's Choice Award.

On his podcast, Ray shares personal stories as a combat veteran, historian, and goat-wrangling father of six living in the rural mountains of Appalachia, all filtered through centuries of Black history.

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Become an Arts Advocate

You don't have to spend a lot of time or money to become an advocate for the arts. Here's a simple and direct way to show your love if you're a Tennessee resident: purchase a specialized license plate.

Get Your TN Plate

Not in Tennessee? No worries! Learn how to get an Arts Advocacy license plate in your state!

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We are the International Storytelling Center

Building a Better World Through the Power of Storytelling

ISC is proud to produce world-class storytelling events alongside applied storytelling programming and educational resources. You are an integral part of our movement to build a better world through the power of storytelling. Consider showing some love by making a one-time gift or becoming a regular donor today.

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In association with the Smithsonian Institution.