PRESS RELEASE | August 20, 2024

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — August 20, 2024 — The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library (KVML) is proud to announce that it has been awarded funding through the Indiana Arts Commission’s Arts Organization Support (AOS) grant program. This support allows KVML to continue its mission of celebrating the life and work of Kurt Vonnegut, fostering free expression, and enriching the cultural landscape of Indianapolis.

During its June Quarterly Business Meeting, the Indiana Arts Commission approved funding recommendations for both the Arts Project Support and Arts Organization Support grant programs, with 338 organizations across 77 Indiana counties receiving support. The KVML is honored to be among the recipients of this funding, which is made possible by the Indiana General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.

“The Indiana Arts Commission has been an important partner for us for many years. We are grateful for their support and for our state legislators who support the arts,” said Julia Whitehead, Founder and CEO of the KVML. “This grant enables us to continue offering unique cultural experiences and educational programming that celebrate the life and legacy of Kurt Vonnegut, our iconic native son whose work continues to resonate with audiences and inspire young writers today. Our initiatives not only enrich the cultural landscape of Indianapolis but also provide platforms for free expression and creativity. We thank Senator Andrea Hunley, Representative Justin Moed and others for their ongoing support, which makes our work possible.”

The Indiana Arts Commission’s support will specifically enable KVML to:

• Contribute to the Kurt Vonnegut Youth Writing Centers, an innovative program serving high school students in four Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and at KVML’s own location, where students are given opportunities to refine their writing and amplify their voices.
• Continue the Banned Books Week program in partnership with the American Library Association, raising awareness for First Amendment rights and celebrating the impact of Vonnegut’s writing and activism.
• Offer public tours of Vonnegut memorabilia, providing educational experiences that highlight the life and legacy of one of Indiana’s most influential authors.
  
  

“Art and creativity foster connection and cohesion, support the entrepreneurial spirit communities need to thrive, and help build the kinds of communities where people want to live, work, play, study, and stay,” said Miah Michaelsen, Executive Director of the Indiana Arts Commission. “In every corner of the Hoosier state, public funding for arts and creativity continually proves to be a high-return investment that positively impacts the cultural, economic, and educational climate of Indiana. It is a privilege to support the organizations building stronger Indiana communities through arts and creativity.”

Funding for the Indiana Arts Commission and its programs is provided by the Indiana General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. KVML is proud to contribute to the vibrant arts and cultural landscape of Indianapolis, and we look forward to continuing our mission with this essential support.

For more information about the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library, visit www.vonnegutlibrary.org.

About the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library
The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library (KVML) is dedicated to championing the life and legacy of Hoosier author Kurt Vonnegut. KVML promotes the principles of free expression, common decency, and peaceful coexistence that Vonnegut advocated through educational programs, public events, and exhibitions. The museum also serves as a cultural hub for the Indianapolis community, celebrating the arts and humanities.