NEA Big Read
The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read—a partnership with Arts Midwest—broadens our understanding of ourselves and our neighbors through the power of a shared reading experience. The goals of the Big Read are to inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity, elevate a wide variety of voices and perspectives, and build stronger connections in each community.
Programming for the 2026-2027 grant cycle will center around the theme America250. Grantees chose a book from the 24 titles available in the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read Library. This year’s Big Read titles celebrate and honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. These books celebrate the country’s culture, history, and resilience through the eyes of its citizens.
Learn about the 2025-2026 National Endowment for the Arts Big Read Grantees
