Three Kentucky organizations have been selected by the National Endowment for the Arts to receive funding for community reading projects through the 2014 round of The Big Read grants.
The Big Read program, started in 2006, supports organizations across the country in developing local reading programs in an effort to encourage reading and participation by diverse audiences. It provides citizens with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book within their communities.
Applicants choose one work from 36 selections of American and world literature and develop innovative programming related to the book. Organizations selected to participate in The Big Read receive a grant, access to online training resources and opportunities, and educational and promotional materials designed to support widespread community involvement.
This year, 77 nonprofit organizations nationwide received grants totaling more than $1 million to host a Big Read project. Kentucky organizations receiving grants are:
Paramount Arts Center, Ashland, $17,000
Pennyroyal Arts Council, Hopkinsville, $12,000
Owen County Public Library, Owenton, $7,600
Each organization will host a Big Read project between September 2014 and June 2015 based on the chosen work.
The National Endowment for the Arts was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. To date, the NEA has awarded more than $4 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities.
The NEA extends its work through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies and the philanthropic sector.
The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, creates opportunities for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.
For more information about The Big Read, visit: http://www.neabigread.org
