With Hill Support, Oxford American Receives $350,000 Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities
Little Rock,
April 7, 2020
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Natalie Test
Little Rock, Ark. — Today, the National Endowment for the Humanities announced a grant of $350,000 to the Oxford American (OA), a nonprofit arts organization known for its publication of the Oxford American magazine. The grant will fund a series of feature-length reported segments to air within Points South, a podcast hosted by Sara A. Lewis, the executive editor of the Oxford American. Each segment seeks to explore the evolution of the American South’s history, values, and cultural and political landscape.
“Central Arkansas is fortunate to be home to the award-winning, world-class arts organization Oxford American, one of Arkansas' most far-reaching cultural exports and an important interpreter of the American South. As we all seek new ways of connection and celebration of our shared humanity, the Oxford American's mission has never been more vital,” said Rep. Hill. “This grant is a vote of confidence for the Oxford American’s mission,” said Sara A. Lewis. “As the OA, like so many arts organizations, adapts to these uncertain times, we are grateful for the NEH’s support, which enables us to tell more important, underreported stories of and about the South.” “As the fine staff at the Oxford American launches the Points South podcast, it is thrilling to know this important new chapter of their publication will be supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities,” said William R. Ferris, Senior Associate Director Emeritus of the Center for the Study of the American South at UNC-Chapel Hill and a former chairman of the NEH, who will be a humanities consultant on this project. “The podcast will deliver the region’s humanities resources to the OA’s fans around the globe with technology that is increasingly important in our lives.” Background: Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, the OA values diverse perspectives and encourages artists across disciplines to present work that creates a deeper understanding of the South. The magazine has won four National Magazine Awards—including the 2016 Award for General Excellence in the category of Literature, Science and Politics—and other high honors since it began publication in 1992. In February 2020, the Oxford American, edited by Eliza Borné, was again named a finalist for a National Magazine Award. In 2019, the OA was a recipient of a Governor’s Arts Award in Arkansas. |
