Lunch with LitNYS Season 1, Episode 2
Lunch with LitNYS
National Book Foundation with Ruth Dickey
On supporting the whole literary ecosystem, creating jobs for writers, and why Ruth loves hearing hot takes on the National Book Awards
Many readers may know about the National Book Awards, but did you know that the Foundation has a science and literature program? Or that they have created free literary programming in all 50 states? In this episode, Executive Director of the National Book Foundation Ruth Dickey covers the many ways that NBF is spreading access to literature across the nation and why literary organizations are vital to creating opportunities for writers and readers alike.Many readers may know about the National Book Awards, but did you know that the Foundation has a science and literature program? Or that they have created free literary programming in all 50 states? In this episode, Executive Director of the National Book Foundation Ruth Dickey covers the many ways that NBF is spreading access to literature across the nation and why literary organizations are vital to creating opportunities for writers and readers alike.
Over 90% of literary organizations say they have poets and writers on staff. When we think about supporting writers, I didn’t used to think… about supporting literary organizations…
Through their work of supporting other literary organizations as well as individual writers, National Book Foundation has found that it really does take a village to uplift artists.
Underfunding means that organizations haven’t been able to get to scale and do a lot of the work that they want to do. Sometimes, people think, well it’s just writing, all you need is a piece of paper and a pen. So there can be a lack of understanding around all the things that it takes to support and nurture writers.
Ruth Dickey’s path to becoming the Executive Director of the National Book Foundation started at breakfast programs and shelters, where she led creative writing programs for unhoused people. Her experience as a teaching artist allowed her to see the transformative power of writing.
“Having the opportunity to tell our stories… is incredibly empowering and incredibly important. We all win when there are more and more stories in the world, particularly when you think about complicated issues like homelessness.”
Lunch with LitNYS
At the Girls Write Now office in September, leaders from literary organizations across New York gathered to discuss strategies for strengthening their communities. Literary organizations are facing a slew of challenges, whether it’s a lack of funding or attempts to ban diverse literature. Despite these problems, these leaders are continuing to pave the way for a flourishing literary landscape.
For 25 years, Girls Write Now has been breaking down barriers of gender, race, age and poverty to mentor the…
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