"The arts reflect the vision, energy, and talent of America's artists and arts organizations," said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. "The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support organizations such as Lambda Literary, in serving their communities by providing excellent and accessible arts experiences."
The NEA grant will support three programs that engage writers and readers with LGBTQ literature: The Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices, a residency designed to offer intensive and sophisticated instruction to selected writers over a carefully designed week; LGBTQ Writers in Schools which brings LGBTQ writers into high school and college classrooms for readings and discussions; and Lambda Literary national reading series surrounding the Lambda Literary Awards, the Writers Retreat, and Lambda's LGBTQ literary journals, Emerge and Nepantla.
"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," said Lambda Literary Executive Director Tony Valenzuela. "We're grateful to the National Endowment for the Arts for their support in furthering our mission."
