AUSTIN, TX (July 10, 2009) – Austin Community College has received a $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to promote reading in the Austin area and on college campuses.

The Big Read grant will allow ACC’s Arts and Humanities Division to implement a program to encourage the community to read and discuss “Sun, Stone and Shadow: 20 Great Mexican Short Stories” – the literature chosen for ACC’s Big Read. Communities around the nation are also participating, using books including “Fahrenheit 451,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and “The Great Gatsby.”

“‘Sun, Stone and Shadows’ is in short-story format, which allows readers to easily digest the book,” says Rosa Davila, assistant Spanish professor and project manager of The Big Read at ACC.

“Sun, Stone and Shadows” is a bilingual anthology that features 20 Mexican authors.

“Mexican cultural influence can be felt in Austin every day,” says Davila. “This anthology draws upon that rich heritage and gives readers an even deeper appreciation of Mexican culture.”

NEA presents The Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest. It brings together partners across the country to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment. This is the first time Austin has been chosen to take part in The Big Read since its launch in 2006.
 
“Sun, Stone and Shadow” programs and promotions will begin on Sept. 15 and continue through Oct. 31, the annual celebration of el Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. More information will be forthcoming.

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About the Austin Community College District (austincc.edu):

ACC, Central Texas’ community college, is the primary gateway to higher education and career training for residents in eight counties. The college provides access to affordable, quality education. ACC enrolls more than 35,700 credit students, offering university transfer courses, two-year associate degrees, certificates, Early College Start, access programs that get students “college-ready,” and continuing education. At ACC you can “Start here. Get there.”