he National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), in partnership with Arts Midwest, is announcing support for 62 nonprofit organizations to hold NEA Big Read programming in 2022-2023.
In total, the NEA is investing $1,071,140 to support programming centered around one of 15 different contemporary books, with the aim of inspiring meaningful conversations, artistic responses, and new discoveries and connections in participating communities.
“All across America, in communities small and large, the NEA Big Read connects neighbors and inspires creativity,” said Torrie Allen, president & CEO of Arts Midwest. “We’re excited to support this year’s grantees as they bring the pages of these wonderful books to life through inventive programming.”
Mechanics’ Institute is receiving a matching grant of $20,000 to support programming around Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu from September 2022 through June 2023. Planned programs include:
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- Big Read: San Francisco Opening Night Celebration with special guests
- Several walking tours, film screenings, and exhibit tours in partnership with local organizations whose
work is centered on the Asian American experience
- Dim Sum Book Group, welcoming Asian American authors in several book group meetings to discuss the themes of Interior Chinatown
- Big Read: San Francisco Grand Finale with special guests and happy hour refreshments
Mechanics’ Institute will add several copies of Interior Chinatown to our collection for checkout. Throughout the program series, there will be book giveaways, opportunities to discuss the work and get to know fellow community members, occasions to visit and explore the work of organizations serving the interests of Chinese American individuals, and printed materials to guide your reading and find other books that grapple with the subjects raised in Interior Chinatown.