JONESBORO — The Bradbury Art Museum (BAM) at Arkansas State University has been awarded a 2026–2027 National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read grant, distinguishing it as the only recipient of this prestigious award in the state.
The NEA, in collaboration with Arts Midwest, recently announced grants to 71 nonprofit organizations nationwide to support community reading initiatives. BAM will use the funding to organize a year-long slate of educational and cultural programs inspired by Joy Harjo’s poetry collection *An American Sunrise* and the companion children’s book, *The Girl Warrior*. Harjo, a former U.S. Poet Laureate, is celebrated as both a poet and musician.
"We are deeply honored to receive this award," said Julia Wintner, director of BAM. "Being selected as Arkansas’s only NEA Big Read organization reflects the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to making literature, art, and culture accessible throughout our region. We look forward to bringing people together to explore Harjo’s remarkable work through reading, conversation, visual art, and shared community experiences."
Starting this September, BAM will collaborate with Arkansas State University departments and community organizations throughout Northeast Arkansas to offer free books, teacher resources, public lectures, poetry readings, interdisciplinary arts programming, and family-friendly activities like printmaking. The museum also plans to partner with libraries, schools, and nonprofits across the region to expand participation.
The program will officially launch during the opening reception of BAM’s fall exhibition, "More Than Human," at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24. Events will culminate with a keynote presentation by Harjo herself during the university’s Lecture Concert Series on Tuesday, March 2, providing a unique opportunity for audiences to hear directly from one of the country's most celebrated contemporary writers.
As the only art museum within an 80-mile radius, BAM plays a vital role in connecting A-State and surrounding communities with cultural and educational resources. Through its NEA Big Read initiative, BAM aims to strengthen those connections and foster meaningful conversations inspired by Harjo’s works.
BAM invites community members to participate by picking up a free copy of the featured books, attending upcoming events, and engaging in discussions throughout the year. For updates and details on programs, visit www.bradburyartmuseum.org or follow BAM on social media.
The NEA Big Read initiative is part of a broader effort by the Arts Endowment to invest $1,089,030 in nationwide community reading programs this year. This cycle’s focus highlights the voices, culture, and resilience integral to America’s 250-year history.