Charitable Coalition Launches $50 Million Literary Arts Fund

A coalition of charitable foundations has established the Literary Arts Fund, aiming to distribute at least $50 million to various organizations over the next five years. This initiative seeks to bolster literary arts and support emerging writers across diverse genres.

In recent developments involving the Swedish Academy, protests erupted outside the Old Stock Exchange building in Stockholm. Demonstrators expressed solidarity with Sara Danius, the academy’s former Permanent Secretary, who resigned amid allegations of sexual misconduct related to an associate of the institution. The academy, responsible for awarding the Nobel Prize in Literature, is facing significant turmoil as new claims surface, prompting discussions on whether to postpone this year’s prize.

The Swedish Academy has been under scrutiny since three of its members resigned in protest over the handling of the scandal. One local culture editor remarked, “It is a bomb dropped right onto the Stock Exchange Building. The institution is in ruins.” The fallout from these events poses a challenge for the academy as it navigates its future and the integrity of its prestigious awards.

In literary news, the 2018 Whiting Award winners were announced, spotlighting emerging talents. While the names may not be immediately recognizable, they join the ranks of celebrated authors like Jorie Graham, Jonathan Franzen, and David Foster Wallace, all former recipients whose careers flourished after receiving the award. This annual prize has highlighted new voices in literature since its inception in 1985.

In a separate instance, the American Library Association acknowledged the decision of a writer to decline the Carnegie Medal for nonfiction, awarded for a memoir about his mother. This gesture reflects a growing awareness of the implications surrounding awards in the literary community.

The literary world also mourned the loss of Sue Grafton, who passed away at the age of 77. Grafton authored 25 mysteries featuring the beloved detective Kinsey Millhone. Her daughter paid tribute on social media, noting, “The alphabet now ends at Y,” referencing Grafton’s final book title.

As the year progresses, the inaugural annual prize will be awarded to one work of fiction. A total of 20 books remain in contention, with notable authors such as Jesmyn Ward, Roxane Gay, and Lisa Ko among the finalists.

In recognition of lifetime achievements, the National Book Foundation announced that four distinguished authors, including Jennifer Egan and Frank Bidart, will receive literary awards in November. Bidart’s recognition comes after a prolific career spanning over five decades, akin to a lifetime achievement honor.

The literary community also reflects on the legacy of John Ashbery, who passed away at 90. Regarded as one of the 20th century’s greatest poets, Ashbery’s modernist style reshaped literature for generations, influencing countless writers.

Former President Barack Obama‘s tweet addressing social issues became the most liked tweet ever. Quoting Nelson Mandela, Obama stated, “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or his background or his religion.” This message resonated widely and underlines the impact of literature and communication in addressing societal challenges.

As the literary landscape evolves, the contributions of writers such as Derek Walcott and the initiatives like the Literary Arts Fund underscore the vital role of literature in cultural discourse. Walcott, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1992, once said, “You didn’t make yourself a poet. You entered a situation in which there was poetry.”

Through these efforts and celebrations, the literary arts continue to thrive, offering insights and reflections on contemporary issues that resonate with readers worldwide.