(NEW YORK, NY) -- Literature to Life recently received a grant in the amount of $25,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support general operating expenses. Through New York State's continued investment in arts and culture, NYSCA has awarded $80.9 million in FY 2026 to arts and culture nonprofits across all 10 regions and a historic number of artists.
Literature to Life (LTL) is a performance-based literacy organization that presents professionally staged verbatim adaptations of American literary classics. Initially conceived as the educational program of the renowned American Place Theatre, LTL is now an independent organization with a mission to perform great books that inspire young people to read and become authors of their own lives.With a roster of books by authors such as Richard Wright, James Baldwin, Junot Díaz, and Kao Kalia Yang, LTL performs nationally in performing arts centers, schools, libraries, and correctional facilities.
"We are thrilled to receive this generous funding from the New York State Council on the Arts once again," said LTL Executive Director Lisa Beth Vettoso. "We believe a book can transform a life, and this support will ensure that more people, especially students in our arts education programs, will have access to great literature."
"New York's arts and culture sector is a cornerstone of the state's identity, and we're making bold investments to ensure it remains strong," Governor Hochul said. "These grants will lift up artists and organizations in every region, fueling local economies and expanding access to the arts. Congratulations to all the grantees – your talent and dedication help power New York's future."
New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, "During these challenging times, the New York State Council on the Arts has been a stalwart and innovative funder. These grants will serve artists and organizations in every region and county, fueling our economy and serving our communities. We know this support isn't just an investment in the arts; it's an investment in New York's future. Congratulations to Literature to Life and thank you for your perseverance, your creativity, and your tireless service to New York State."
New York State Council on the Arts Chair Patrick Willingham said, "With the unwavering support of Governor Hochul and our Legislature, the Council is proud to congratulate this year's grantees, whose collective efforts strengthen and benefit us all. I also want to recognize the work of NYSCA's panelists, staff, and the entire Council, whose dedication has ensured that this critical support will reach every corner of New York State."
The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State's arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award over $161 million in FY 2026, serving organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York's creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch.
