LEWISTON — The University of Southern Maine’s Franco-American Collection has been awarded $1,000 by the Maine Arts Commission and the Maine Humanities Council in a joint Maine Arts and Humanities Grant to fund an upcoming event series at the collection’s home at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College.

The series, titled “Voix Franco-Américaines: Franco-American Voices,” will focus on the art of story-telling in the Franco community and will feature a guest lecture, performances by local storytellers and events highlighting the collection’s substantial oral history archives.

“This is a great example of an interdisciplinary event which will highlight an important aspect of Franco identity,” said Collection Coordinator James Myall. “Maine is lucky to be home to a number of talented story-tellers, and we’re looking forward to showcasing their talents, as well as the ability of all of us to tell compelling stories.”

More information about the events, which are scheduled to take place this summer, will appear on the collection’s website when they have been scheduled. Visit www.usm.maine.edu/franco for more information.

The Maine Arts Commission and Maine Humanities Council are independent state agencies that supports Maine’s arts and culture through a variety of grants and statewide services. For more information, visit www.mainearts.com andwww.mainehumanities.com.