Arts Midwest Accepting Applications for Big Read 2021-22 – Jan 27

Posted by Arts Midwest on November 10, 2020

Arts Midwest is accepting applications for the 2021-22 National Endowment for the Arts’ Big Read program.

Studies have shown that reading for pleasure has positive impact on one’s health and can provide entertainment and connection to community members in a time of isolation. The NEA Big Read is a community engagement opportunity through which grants of up to $20,000 are awarded in support of community-wide reading programs (virtual and/or in-person) that take place between September 2021 and June 2022. Organizations can choose one of six available books — An American Sunrise, by Joy Harjo; Beloved, by Toni Morrison; The Best We Could Do: An Illustrated Memoir, by Thi Bui; The Call of the Wild, White Fang, and Other Stories, by Jack London; The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck; and The House on Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros — and can also tie in thematically-related books of their choice to expand the program’s potential and reach a wider audience.

Eligible organizations include arts organizations, community service organizations, institutions of higher education, libraries, literary centers, museums, school districts, theater companies, tribal governments, and more.

To be eligible for a grant, applicants must have a proven track record of successfully engaging their audiences through the power of literature and catalyzing a passion for reading that endures year after year.  They also must have developed meaningful and lasting partnerships with other organizations in their community.

Arts Midwest will be hosting a webinar for interested applicants on November 12 at 1:00 p.m. ET. (Registration required.)

For additional information, see the Arts Midwest website.

Link to complete RFP.