The Big Read

The Big Read

big read logoThe Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. Managed by Arts Midwest, The Big Read provides competitive grants to support innovative reading programs in selected communities.

The Big Read answers a big need. Reading at Risk: A Survey of Literary Reading in America, a 2004 report by the National Endowment for the Arts, found that not only is literary reading in America declining rapidly among all groups, but that the rate of decline has accelerated, especially among the young.

The Big Read aims to address this crisis squarely and effectively. It provides citizens with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book within their communities. The Big Read supports organizations across the country in developing community-wide reading programs which encourage reading and participation by diverse audiences.

Valdez Museum – Big Read Events

Big Read and “Call of the Wild” Art Making Workshop.
Friday, February 20, 12-5 pm.

Spring into Art, 2015 Annual Student Art Show.
Opening, Friday, March 20, 2015.
Opening reception and celebration of art, Friday, March 27 from 5-7 pm.

Public History Talk “Curious Tales” by Bureau of Land Managements, Alaska State Archaeologist Robert King
Thursday, March 12, 7 pm.

Public History Talk “Iditarod Archaeology” by Bureau of Land Managements, Alaska State Archaeologist Robert King
Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13

The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. For more information visit www.NEABigRead.org