“In this report you will find how we delivered on the promise of our mission throughout the year and the thousands of people who joined us. You will also find the names of the many people and organizations who contributed to make the work possible. We are grateful for the support, and the faith this this support showed in our talented and dedicated staff.”— Andrew Proctor, Literary Arts Executive Director.
16,000 READERS ENGAGED
From virtual lectures to intimate discussions, world-renowned authors engaged with our communities. Our season of events featured more than 150 authors whose lectures, readings, and discussions centered on important issues, including the relationship between humans and the wider natural world, the history of racism and how to engage in anti-racist work, and the practice of finding delight in the daily.
1,700 WRITERS SUPPORTED
Literary Arts remained connected to writers and publishers through online classes and events all year long. Our Oregon Book Awards & Fellowships program continues to celebrate and recognize the remarkable work being created by writers and publishers in Oregon. And we were able to provide some relief to writers impacted by the pandemic by issuing emergency grants from the Brian Booth Writers’ Fund.
3,200 YOUTH INSPIRED
Our Youth Programs continued to engage high school students with a variety of literary programs, almost entirely online—in Zoom classrooms, our virtual concert hall, and on digital stages. Students experienced the value literature can offer firsthand with semester-long creative writing residencies taught by local writers, school visits with world-renowned authors, and other opportunities.