Our Mission: Kentucky Humanities is dedicated to Telling Kentucky’s Story through programs and services.

Our mission hasn’t changed, however, COVID-19 has us making adjustments to the way in which we develop a relationship with every single Kentuckian.

Since March 1, many organizations and schools have had to postpone indefintiely Chautauqua programs due to COVID. Organizations are beginning to ask about rescheduling these presentations. Kentucky Humanities understands that some organizations and schools have had to postpone these programs. As organizations are beginning to think about rescheduling Kentucky Chautauqua programs, we want to make certain that we put the health and safety of our Chautauquans/Speakers and their audiences as the number one priority.

We have NOT decided at this point in time to begin offering our Chautauqua presentations virtually yet. However, we are considering the possibility in the future depending on the needs of the schools and the organizations that wish to proceed with their programming in the fall or next spring.

We have developed some procedures for in-person presentations to provide to the sponsoring organizations, should you decide you want to do an in-person presentation. But we realize that many of you are not willing to do this yet. And we can't predict when the time will be right to return to a normal presentation.

Our Chautuaquans and Speakers are independent contractors and in control of their own schedules. When booking organizations are ready to reschedule the postponed presentation or schedule a new presentation, the first step is to contact the presenter to discuss dates and venue with the presenter. A presenter has the right to decline the presentation, if they are not comfortable with the organization's venue.

Procedures for in-person programs:

The presenter will confirm booking dates in good faith to perform with the following stipulations:

Audience members be appropriately spaced apart and wear face masks
Presenter will be set at least 6-10 feet away from the front row of the audience
Q&A will be limited to no longer than 15 minutes
There will be no meet-and-greet before or afterward the presentation (i.e. no handshaking, no photos with audience members, etc.).
Presenter may decline any pre- or post-show socializing with sponsors or audience members until the pandemic is safely behind us.
Under most circumstances, the presenter will arrive to each performance already dressed in character, so as not to have to utilize a public bathroom, which is what many venues normally provide. Presenter will be wearing a face mask until it is time to perform (if a shield is requested and/or allowed, that will replace the mask during the performance).
Under most circumstances the presenter will not be wearing a mask. However, the sponsor can request the presenter to wear a mask or plastic shield. If a microphone is provided, it should be cordless and the type that the presenter wears behind the ear. This way the sound will not be stifled by the mask or plastic shield.

The presenter will postpone the presentation prior to the event, if:

COVID-19 cases spike and/or are in high numbers in the community where the presentation will take place.
The presenter, or someone in their family, contracts with COVID-19 and/or exhibit COVID-19 symptoms
The Governor of Kentucky of CDC directs that "Healthy at Home" supersedes "Healthy at Work" parameters.

If any of these exceptions occur, we will rebook for a date when it is safe to do so.

Procedures for virtual presentation for presentations:

Program will be booked as usual
Site coordinator will set up the virtual link and communicate the link with the presenter 24 hours prior to the presentation.
Link will be active for ½ hour prior to the presentation start time so the presenter has enough time to test the link, camera, and sound.
Link will include the possibility of the presenter sharing his/her screen in order that they can show pictures or PowerPoint slides.
Program coordinator will provide the speaker with a phone number to be used in case of technical difficulties.
Speaker will do their normal presentation (recommended not to exceed 30 minutes) and then take questions from the audience.
Site coordinator will either read questions that were written in the chat or will allow for live questions on the virtual link.
At the end of the presentation, speaker will complete the normal cash request form.

If we decide at a later date to allow Chautuauqua presentations via zoom, we will likely have a recorded 20 minute presentation available by the Chautauquan and then the Chautauquan will be available at the end of the showing to answer questions by the audience live via zoom. Taking this step will depend on the results of the survey and the cost and availability of making video recordings of the Chautauquans safely.

Kentucky Humanities suggests sponsors utilize low-cost or free advertising/publicity means during this time in case the performance is postponed due to COVID-19 and has to be rescheduled at the last minute due to current conditions.

Chautauqua Coordinator Survey

As Kentucky Humanities explores the possibility of Chautauqua presentations over the next year, it would be helpful to us if you would complete this short survey, by August 1, 2020 in order that we can evaluate how to proceed with bookings. Your feedback as a Chautauqua Coordinator would be most helpful.

Name

Email Address

Best phone number to reach you

Name of Organization

Please describe your organization

How likely are you to book an in-person Kentucky Chautauqua at this time?

If a Chautauqua presentation was available as a virtual presentation, how likely are you to book a Chautauqua as a virtual presentation?

Do you have the resources (internet connection, Zoom, monitor, sound system, etc) necessary to host a virtual program?

How familiar are you with programs like Zoom for offering virtual programs?

Will your school have restrictions about performers or contractors being on school property?

If given a choice between hosting a virtual Chautauqua presentation in the fall or waiting until next spring or fall to host an in-person Chautauqua presentation, which would you be more likely to do?

Any additional comments