Program

Challenge Programs: Humanities Access Grants

Period of Performance

5/1/2016 - 9/30/2020

Funding Totals (matching)

$100,000.00 (approved)
$100,000.00 (offered)
$100,000.00 (awarded)


Thinking Out Loud @ Alphabet City

FAIN: ZH-251475-17

City of Asylum Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA 15212-4440)
Ralph Henry Reese (Project Director: April 2016 to May 2024)

Increased free public readings, discussions, and receptions featuring a variety of exiled authors and intellectuals. 

City of Asylum Pittsburgh’s program of free public readings and lectures at Alphabet City, including extensive Q & A and discussion, with authors, journalists, and public intellectuals. The formal presentation is usually an hour, with 30-40 minutes presented by the author (a mix of lecture and reading) and 20 minutes of discussion





Associated Products

Small Arts Organizations Quickly Adapt to Survive (Article)
Title: Small Arts Organizations Quickly Adapt to Survive
Author: Carol Hymowitz
Abstract: How City of Asylum created a shared programming platform for Pittsburgh arts and humanities organizations to continue presenting during the pandemic.
Year: 2020
Primary URL: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-26/small-arts-organizations-quickly-adapt-to-survive
Primary URL Description: Link to article
Format: Magazine
Periodical Title: Bloomberg Businessweek
Publisher: Bloomberg Businessweek

Citizen Bank "Champions in Action" Award (Article)
Title: Citizen Bank "Champions in Action" Award
Author: Bob Bauder
Abstract: City of Asylum receives 2018 Champion in Action Award from Citizens Bank.
Year: 2018
Primary URL: http://archive.triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/city-of-asylum-named-2018-champion-in-action/
Primary URL Description: Link to article
Format: Newspaper
Periodical Title: TribLive
Publisher: Citizens Bank

Samantha Power: 28th United States Ambassador to the United Nations Presented by City of Asylum (Article)
Title: Samantha Power: 28th United States Ambassador to the United Nations Presented by City of Asylum
Author: Not applicable
Abstract: Ambassador Power presented her memoir "The Education of an Idealist" in discussion with Feyisola Akintola, Special Initiatives Manager in the City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Equity. Followed by questions from the streaming audience.
Year: 2020
Primary URL: http://www.visitpittsburgh.com/events-festivals/samantha-power-28th-united-states-ambassador-to-the-united-nations-presented-by-city-of-asylum/
Primary URL Description: Link to website
Access Model: open
Format: Other
Periodical Title: Visit Pittsburgh
Publisher: Visit Pittsburgh

June 2017 Events at Alphabet City (Article)
Title: June 2017 Events at Alphabet City
Author: Nick Eustis
Abstract: Article on one month's programming by City of Asylum at Alphabet City. Programs included author Margot Jefferson, ReelQ Film Festival, Cave Canem faculty poets, jazz group Thumbscrew (created during a residency at City of Asylum), and the Pittsburgh Symphony. Each program included audience discussion.
Year: 2017
Primary URL: http://www.thenorthsidechronicle.com/june-events-at-alphabet-city/
Access Model: Open
Format: Newspaper
Periodical Title: Norhside Chronicle
Publisher: Northside Chronicle

Richard Powers, author of 'The Overstory,' reads from his new novel about human beings versus trees (Article)
Title: Richard Powers, author of 'The Overstory,' reads from his new novel about human beings versus trees
Author: Marylynne Pitz
Abstract: Article on Richard Powers' presenting "The Overstory" during the month of its release at City of Asylum's Alphabet City. Like all readings it was free to the public, followed by an audience Q & A.
Year: 2018
Primary URL: http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/books/2018/05/10/Richard-Powers-author-of-The-Overstory-reads-from-his-new-novel-about-human-beings-versus-trees/stories/201805120004
Access Model: open
Format: Newspaper
Periodical Title: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Publisher: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America (Book Section)
Title: Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America
Author: Deborah Fallows
Author: James Fallows
Abstract: The authors explore towns across America to understand how they are responding to challenges. The authors write that "City of Asylum started out offering sanctuary to exiled artists, and it ended up bringing compassion to a city."
Year: 2018
Primary URL: http://www.worldcat.org/title/our-towns-a-100000-mile-journey-into-the-heart-of-america/oclc/1046072600
Access Model: Purchase
Publisher: Pantheon
Book Title: Our Towns
ISBN: 1101871849