In the News: Bath Arts Center, Maine Humanities Team up for Smithsonian Initiative

“Every year, in Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian Folklife Institute holds a festival celebrating living cultural heritage. It’s a prestigious and meaningful project that brings together tradition bearers from communities across the United States. In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the Smithsonian launched “By the People: Conversations Beyond 250,” an initiative inviting humanities councils from across the U.S. to create their own original programs highlighting community stories, histories and cultural traditions.”

“Under the leadership of the Maine Humanities Council, there will be a Maine offering that is taking place at our very own Chocolate Church Arts Center. At 5 p.m. Saturday, June 13, the CCAC is proud to co-host Maine Humanities’ contribution to the Smithsonian’s initiative. It’s called “Gather: Folklives & Foodways” and was conceived by Maine Humanities Executive Director Samaa Abdurraqib.”

Al-Mashreq Ensemble will provide music and dancing as part of “Gather: Folklives & Foodways” at the Chocolate Church Arts Center on June 13. The event is a Maine offering of the Smithsonian Folklife Institute’s “By the People: Conversations Beyond 250” program. (Courtesy of Al-Mashreq Ensemble)