Chatham receives National Endowment for the Arts grant for literary program on immigration

Chatham University is a recipient of a grant of $15,000 to host the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read in Pittsburgh. An Arts Endowment initiative in partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read broadens our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book. 

With this funding, Chatham’s MFA in Creative Writing program plans to work in tandem with Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, City of Asylum, Sojourner House, and Allegheny County Jail to engage Pittsburgh readers in a conversation about borders, particularly when it comes to welcoming new immigrants to their communities. The program will study the novel, The Latehomecomer, a book that examines how borders—physical, cultural, spiritual—profoundly impact everyone’s lives. The program will be held between Fall 2020 and Spring 2021, and will consist of a kickoff/keynote event, five book discussion groups, and two special events designed to engage with specific Pittsburgh audiences.

Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is the independent federal agency whose funding and support give Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities.

For more than 35 years, Arts Midwest has promoted creativity, nurtured cultural leadership, and engaged people in meaningful arts experiences, bringing vitality to Midwest communities and enriching people’s lives.