NEA Big Read Grants Awarded to Three Oklahoma Organizations

Grant funding for community reading programs in Lawton, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa has been announced through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read program, a joint effort of the NEA and Arts Midwest. Funding supports activities such as writing workshops, discussion forums, exhibitions, film screenings, and other events and activities. Each funded program centers on a book chosen from among titles made available for the NEA Big Read. Selections for this year's program align with the celebration of America's 250th birthday in 2026.

Docents get to meet people from around the world while enjoying perks such as special outings, VIP experiences, behind-the-scenes access, and more. Approved applicants must complete four weekly two-hour training sessions held throughout the month.

Oklahoma programs funded through the NEA Big Read are:

• McMahon Auditorium Authority (Lawton), $20,000 for a program about "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Metropolitan Library System (OKC), $15,000 for a program about "True Grit" by Charles Portis
• Oklahoma State University Center for Health Science (Tulsa), $20,000 for a program about "An American Sunrise" by Joy Harjo

Learn about the funded programs.