# Culture briefing: NEA Big Read and Philadelphia meeting

_The National Endowment for the Arts announced a sports reading programme and scheduled a public meeting in Pennsylvania._

By Zepy Staff · Culture · Published 2026-10-21T18:08:14Z · https://zepynews.com/culture/culture-briefing-nea-big-read-and-philadelphia-meeting/

Cultural announcements from the United States federal arts agency this week cover reading grants and public leadership meetings.

**NEA unveils sports reading list for next Big Read cycle.** On 20 October 2026, Carolyn Coons reported for the National Endowment for the Arts that applications opened for the agency's Big Read programme. Organisations can choose from 18 titles focused on American sporting history, organised around an athletic participation theme.[^1]

**National Council on the Arts sets public session in Philadelphia.** Officials from the National Endowment for the Arts will travel to Pennsylvania on 28 and 29 October, according to an announcement by Carolyn Coons on 19 October 2026. The public can view the National Council on the Arts gathering either digitally or on site.[^2]

## Sources

1. [National Endowment for the Arts — National Endowment for the Arts Big Read Introduces New Books and Theme, “Read Like a Champion”](https://www.arts.gov/news/press-releases/2026/national-endowment-arts-big-read-introduces-new-books-and-theme-read-champion)
2. [National Endowment for the Arts — National Endowment for the Arts Leaders Visit Philadelphia October 28-29, 2027](https://www.arts.gov/news/press-releases/2026/national-endowment-arts-leaders-visit-philadelphia-october-28-29-2027)