'Downeast Storytellers' Series Receives Major Grant

Eastport Arts Center is delighted to announce receipt of a major grant from Maine Humanities Council for the Downeast Storytellers programming series, planned for June through October 2025, and presented through a partnership with Sipayik Museum and The Quoddy Tides. Storytellers from both Native and non-Native communities will share personal narratives during the five-month series, which will also include innovative, performance-based workshops. The series will be bookended by Story Slam events, at which members of the public are invited to tell short stories for cash prizes, June 21 and October 18 at 7 pm.

'Downeast Storytellers' will include Leland Faulkner (from left) photo by Leon Kapinsky; Jackson Gillman and Hawk Henries.

Three professional storytellers will take the stage in July, August and September.

Leland Faulkner, an internationally-known storyteller and award-winning film maker for three decades, will be featured on July 19 at 7 pm. Faulkner uses storytelling, mime, and magic to create memorable stories. Before the evening performance, Faulkner will lead a workshop for budding storytellers from 1-3 pm.

Jackson Gillman will appear on August 23 at 7 pm. Gillman incorporates song, stories, comedy, dance, mime, and sign language into his performances. A member of the distinguished Circle of Excellence of the National Storytelling Network, Gillman has appeared on stages internationally and won numerous awards.  

Hawk Henries, a storyteller from Sullivan who has performed throughout the world, will appear September 20 at 7 pm. Henries is a member of the Chaubunagungamaug band of Nipmuck, a people indigenous to what is now southern New England. A talented maker of traditional flutes, he combines music and storytelling in his performances.

The Maine Humanities Council (MHC), a statewide non-profit organization, uses books, poetry, and big ideas to bring people together to discuss issues of importance and create positive change in Maine communities. Their programs and grants encourage critical thinking and conversations across social, economic, and cultural boundaries. The MHC is a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and is the home of Maine’s Center for the Book through the Library of Congress

Attendees of Eastport Arts Center's 2024 Story Slam were treated to an array of tales from community members, including first-prize winner Lane Willey. The successful event will return in 2025 to bookend the second annual Storytelling Festival, 'Downeast Storytellers'. Photo by Manuela Brice. Find a full recap of the event pictured above here.