In spite of a proposed budget from the White House that, if accepted, would see the elimination of the National Endowment of the Arts, the organization has issued 1,195 new grants. The grants, totaling $84.06 million, are going to arts organizations across the country. It is the second round of funding for the endowment in 2017.
“The American people are recognized for their innovative spirit and these grants represent the vision, energy, and talent of America’s artists and arts organizations,” NEA chairman Jane Chu said in a statement. “I am proud of the role the National Endowment for the Arts plays in helping advance the creative capacity of the United States.”
In the largest grant category, Art Works, 1,029 grants totaling $26.1 million were awarded. Book industry entities to receive the grants include Poets & Writers, which received $75,000 to support the publication of its magazine Poets & Writers, the development of new content and resources on pw.org, and improvements to its online directories. Lambda Literary received $25,000 to support its Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices, the LGBTQ Writers in Schools Program, and its national reading series.
"NEA funding is critical to our ability to serve creative writers," Poets & Writers' executive director Elliot Figman said. "With this award, we will help writers to connect with one another, publish and promote their work, and advance their careers."
Lambda Literary executive director Tony Valenzuela said in a statement: "Lambda Literary is the national leader advancing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender literature through programs that honor excellence, promote visibility, and build community among and understanding of LGBTQ lives. We're grateful to the National Endowment for the Arts for their support in furthering our mission."
