ATLANTA, GA. (June 15, 2017) — National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu has approved more than $82 million to fund local arts projects across the country in the NEA’s second major funding announcement for fiscal year 2017. Included in this announcement is an Art Works award of $10,000 to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Decatur Book Festival (DBF) for the 2017 festival Sept. 1-3.
The NEA received 1,728 Art Works applications and will make 1,029 grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.
“A grant from the National Endowment for the Arts is a fantastic affirmation of what we do at the Decatur Book Festival,” said Daren Wang, DBF founder and executive director. “It makes me proud to be part of this fantastic literary community.”
On Monday, DBF announced its slate of authors for the 2017 festival, as well as the Keynote and Kidnote speakers.
National Public Radio host Brooke Gladstone headlines a panel of journalists for the DBF Keynote event, discussing the role of journalism in today’s ever-changing world. The panel also will include Carolyn Ryan, an editor with the New York Times, and Wesley Lowery, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter from The Washington Post.
Henry Winkler, known around the globe for his television and film roles, and Lin Oliver are this year’s Kidnote speakers. The duo writes the “Hank Zipzer” and “Here’s Hank” book series for young readers.
“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 AJC Decatur Book Festival, in serving their communities by providing excellent and accessible arts experiences.”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Decatur Book Festival (DBF) is the largest independent book festival in the country. Over Labor Day weekend tens of thousands from metro Atlanta and beyond share the historic Decatur Square with world-class authors, illustrators, editors, publishers and booksellers for a weekend filled with literature, music, food and fun. For more information, visit decaturbookfestival.com,“like” Decatur Book Festival on Facebook or follow @DBookFestival on Twitter.
NOTE: To join the Twitter conversation about this announcement, please use #NEASpring17. For more information on projects included in the NEA grant announcement, go to arts.gov