The Rural College as a Cultural Hub: Film Screenings and Guest Lectures Create a More Open World

Presented by Leigh Kolb, Associate Professor of English, East Central College
A curated Film and Lecture Series has the potential and power to offer culturally and socially inclusive programming to not only students and staff, but also the wider community, particularly in rural communities. This Trend Talk will introduce attendees to East Central College’s Film and Lecture Series-its history, programming examples, community partnerships, and operational information-as well as provide tangible information about programming films (costs, distribution companies, planning), scheduling guest speakers, and offering in-person and remote programming.
In a time of attempted limitations on diversity and inclusion in and out of the classroom, colleges have a unique and important role to be able to offer the community cultural programming. It’s our privilege and responsibility to serve as a cultural and social hub for our communities to help create more a more culturally competent populace. Film screenings (documentary and narrative films, modern and classic) and guest speakers are an excellent and accessible way to nourish the potential of our rural institutions.