The Bradbury Art Museum (BAM) at Arkansas State University has been awarded the NEA Big Read grant for 2026-27, making it the only recipient in Arkansas. This grant, part of a nationwide initiative by the National Endowment for the Arts in collaboration with Arts Midwest, will fund various programs focusing on Joy Harjo’s “An American Sunrise” and the children’s book “The Girl Warrior.”
Throughout the year, BAM plans to host exhibitions, workshops, and community conversations, promoting literature and arts accessibility. Julia Wintner, the director, expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment and emphasized the importance of partnerships in their initiatives.
The project will kick off with the fall exhibition “More Than Human” on September 24, and will conclude with a keynote presentation by Harjo on March 2. The museum encourages community involvement through free book distribution and participation in events. For updates and information, visit www.bradburyartmuseum.org.
