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Ethnic Heritage Council 

Description

The Ethnic Heritage Council (EHC), with a membership of hundreds of ethnic and cultural organizations and individuals, works to preserve and document ethnic heritage, advance cross-cultural understanding and inform area residents about the ethnic experience in the Northwest through festivals, workshops, meetings and publications.

Mission Statement
The Ethnic Heritage Council is dedicated to preserving the unique mix of cultural traditions that enrich our Northwest communities. We particularly value programs that benefit young people, bringing wonderfully diverse cultural and artistic traditions to life for future generations. Our goals are to: enhance the success of ethnic cultural organizations; advance communication and understanding among ethnic communities; and facilitate documentation of local ethnic history and cultural heritage.
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Ethnic Heritage Council
305 Harrison St Ste 304 
Seattle 
WA
98109-4623 
(206) 443-1410 

Alma Plancich 
Executive Director 

Programs

Ethnic Heritage Council Programs

Our sister events Cultural Crossroads and Winter Worldfest, held annually in November, showcase a broad spectrum of performing arts traditions. These festivals reflect the collective cultural heritage of our Northwest community and provide a platform for diverse performers to share and preserve their cultures. Both events sample the most representative professional and amateur ethnic performing groups in the region, creating an extraordinary experience for performers and audiences alike.

The EHC-organized Fourth of July Naturalization Ceremony at Seattle Center has become the largest annual daytime Independence Day observation in the Pacific Northwest. One of the most important events in an immigrant's life, the ceremony acts as a powerful affirmation of the rights and freedoms granted all Americans. This free public event enables the entire community to welcome new citizens to their country while valuing the cultural differences and commonalities that make this country great.

The Ethnic Heritage Council serves as a central clearinghouse and umbrella for ethnic arts organizations. We field 2,000 referral requests each year and publish a monthly newsletter and calendar of events. We collaborate with heritage specialists to host conferences and workshops, teaching ethnic communities how to best preserve and share their culture. We also offer small and emerging ethnic arts organizations pass-through funding and event planning services so they can present their work.

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

EHC's 2012 Cultural Crossroads Festival (November 2-4) was a resounding success. Attendance was high, and there were more than 50 performing groups and booths with information on ethnic cultures. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service participated with the goal of reaching out to the community and giving a friendly face to immigration. They succeeded by giving citizenship information and assistance to many who were otherwise intimidated by the process.

The Ethnic Heritage Council has experienced a sharp decrease in individual donations and corporate contributions since the economic downturn of 2008. Funding is needed to support our core festivals and keep them free and open to the public. The majority of donations will go to performer fees as the EHC maintains a strict policy of fair compensation for artistic performances.

Evaluation


Ethnic Heritage Council of the Pacific Northwest (EHC) encourages cross-cultural understanding and experiences and provides a critical link between individual ethnic communities and the greater community.

Accessibility and Cultural Competency
Through the production of two free festivals each year EHC introduces new voices and perspectives in music, dancing, and folk art to our community. Performers and artists are from a variety of different ethnic backgrounds and cultural traditions and the festivals attract a wide cross-section of the population.

Best Practices
EHC staff have learned that many immigrant populations are hesitant to approach agencies for assistance. As a result they now conduct outreach in minority and immigrant communities to connect them with the appropriate resources and services needed to navigate daily life in this country.

Collaboration
EHC provides umbrella services to smaller ethnic arts organizations and events. Through this type of collaboration smaller groups are able to establish themselves and both these groups and EHC are given a broader reach in the community.

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
9/10/2011 $7,500.00support general operating expenses.
12/10/2008 $10,000.00support general operating expenses.
10/5/2006 $10,000.00support general operating expenses.
9/16/2004 $10,000.00support general operating expenses.

Financials

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