Arkansas Museum Secures National Reading Grant

September 24, 2026 - 11:33

The Bradbury Art Museum at Arkansas State University has been named a recipient of a 2026-27 National Endowment for the Arts Big Read grant. This award positions the museum as the only organization in Arkansas to receive the funding during this cycle.

The Big Read program supports community-wide reading initiatives that bring people together through literature. Grant recipients design events and discussions centered on a single book, encouraging participants to explore themes relevant to their own lives and communities.

Museum officials say the grant will fund a series of programs built around a selected title, though specific details about the chosen book and event schedule have not yet been announced. The initiative typically includes book discussions, author appearances, artistic workshops, and public gatherings designed to reach readers of all ages.

This marks a significant moment for the Bradbury Art Museum, which continues to expand its role beyond visual arts programming. By integrating literary events into its calendar, the museum aims to foster broader cultural engagement across the region.

The National Endowment for the Arts has supported the Big Read since 2006, distributing grants to hundreds of communities nationwide. The program is designed to address declining literary reading rates by making shared reading experiences accessible and enjoyable.

University representatives expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, noting that the grant will help strengthen ties between the campus and surrounding communities. Further announcements regarding programming and participation are expected in the coming months.