“Humanities on the Front Lines: Public Partnerships and Transforming the University” was the title of the Jan. 27, 2022 presentation for A Feast of Words, an annual event presented by the Friends of the University of Minnesota Libraries and the Campus Club.

Professor Jigna Desai and Associate Professor Tracey Deutsch discussed the important work of Minnesota Transform, a higher education initiative funded by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation that addresses decolonial and racial justice in the University, Twin Cities, and state through public humanities projects. Both Desai and Deutsch emphasized the community-led nature of Minnesota Transform’s work and philosophy.

Mike Hoyt, who leads Pillsbury House + Theatre’s creative community development work, spoke about the artistic projects that have been fostered in collaboration with Minnesota Transform. Librarian Kat Nelsen discussed how the University Libraries and Minnesota Transform have worked in partnership to support paid student internships.

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