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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><font size="2"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Arts Midwest is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022
<b><a href="https://www.artsmidwest.org/news/2020/10-09/now-accepting-applications-nea-big-read-2021-2022" style="color:blue;text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">National Endowment for the Arts Big Read Program</a></b>, and
we'd appreciate your help publicizing this exciting opportunity to your
network.<span></span></span></font></p><font size="2">

</font><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><font size="2"><b><u><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">What?</span></u></b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> 
The NEA Big Read is a community engagement opportunity with grants of up <b><u>$20,000</u></b>
for community-wide reading programs (virtual and/or in-person). 
Organizations can choose <a href="https://www.artsmidwest.org/programs/neabigread/books" style="color:blue;text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">one
of six available books</a>.  They can also tie in thematically-related
books of their choice to expand the program's potential and reach a wider
audience.<span></span></span></font></p><font size="2">

</font><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><font size="2"><b><u><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Who?</span></u></b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">
Eligible organizations include arts organizations, community service
organizations, institutions of higher education, libraries, literary centers,
museums, school districts, theater companies, tribal governments, and more! <span></span></span></font></p><font size="2">

</font><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><font size="2"><b><u><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Why?</span></u></b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> Past
grantees have a proven track record of successfully engaging their audiences
through the power of literature and stirring up a passion for reading that
persists year after year.  They've also developed meaningful and lasting
partnerships with other organizations in their community. <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-reading-books#reduces-stress" style="color:blue;text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">Studies have shown that reading for pleasure has positive impacts
on one’s health</a> and this program can also provide entertainment and
connection to community members in a time of isolation.<span></span></span></font></p><font size="2">

</font><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><font size="2"><b><u><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">When?</span></u></b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">
The deadline to apply is <b><u>January 27, 2021</u></b>.  <br></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><br><font size="2"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><span></span></span></font></p><font size="2">

</font><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><font size="2"><b><u><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Where?</span></u></b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">
Learn<b> </b>more about the NEA Big Read via the attached grant guidelines and
at this link: <a href="https://www.artsmidwest.org/programs/neabigread/about" style="color:blue;text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">https://www.artsmidwest.org/programs/neabigread/about</a><span></span></span></font></p><font size="2">

</font><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><font size="2"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">If you have any questions, please contact Arts Midwest at <a href="mailto:neabigread@artsmidwest.org" style="color:blue;text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">neabigread@artsmidwest.org</a>
or 612-238-8010. <span></span></span></font></p><font size="2"></font><br></div>