Austin, TX — Torch Literary Arts has been approved for a Grants for Arts Projects award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to support artist fees for workshops, readings, and retreats. This project will focus on creating advancement opportunities for Black women writers, as well as a retreat where participants can share ideas and receive professional advice while working on a manuscript in progress. Torch Literary Arts' project is among 1,130 projects across the country, totaling more than $31 million, that were selected during this second round of Grants for Arts Projects fiscal year 2023 funding.
“The National Endowment for the Arts is pleased to support a wide range of projects, including Torch Literary Arts' programs, demonstrating the many ways the arts enrich our lives and contribute to healthy and thriving communities,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. “These organizations play an important role in advancing the creative vitality of our nation and helping to ensure that all people can benefit from arts, culture, and design.”
"Torch Literary Arts is grateful for this vital support from the National Endowment for the Arts to fulfill our mission to amplify Black women writers. Funds will be used to pay writers and support those who wish to develop their craft."
Programs supported with this grant include the Torch Wildfire Reading Series, creative writing and professional development workshops, and the launch of our 2023 Torch Retreat in Austin, TX.
For more information on other projects included in the NEA grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.
Torch Literary Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established to publish and promote creative writing by Black women. We publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. TORCH has featured work by Toi Derricotte, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, Elizabeth Alexander, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, writing workshops, and retreats.
Help TORCH continue to publish and promote Black women writers by donating today.