Submissions sought for Zayed Book Award

Submissions for the Sheikh Zayed Book Award are now open and will be accepted until Oct. 1.

Submissions open across nine categories including Literature, Translation and Arab Culture in Other Languages. Authors, translators, publishers and universities may all nominate works

Previous winners include Dame Marina Warner (UK), Amin Maalouf (France), Banipal Magazine (UK), Professor Philip Kennedy (US), Institut du Monde Arab (France)

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award, one of the Arab world’s most prestigious literary prizes is now open for submissions. The award, which has been described as the “the Arab world’s equivalent to the Nobel prize”, has a reputation for highlighting the most exciting, and often the most challenging work from and about the Arab world.

Each winner receives prize money of 750,000 UAE dirhams ($204,000 USD) to both recognize and further enable their creative and cultural achievements.

Now in its 15th year, the annual award aims to recognise some of the most challenging and exciting work coming out of the Arab world or engaging with its culture, including both literary and scholarly works. Writers, translators, academics, and publishers from around the world are awarded for their exceptional contributions to advancing Arabic literature and culture.

Authors, publishers, and translators of any nationality can make submissions, which are welcomed from all countries in Arabic and other languages. To register and submit online, visit the SZBA submissions website register.zayed award.ae.

Submissions are open across nine categories, representing the range and breadth of Arab culture: Literature (including both fiction and poetry); Young Author (for writers under the age of 40); Children’s Literature; Cultural Personality of the Year; Publishing and Technology; Arabic Culture in Other Languages; Translation – either to or from Arabic; Literary and Art Criticism; Contribution to the Development of Nations

More information about individual categories is available on the Sheikh Zayed Book Award website zayedaward.ae

Board of Regents offer free community college program

HARTFORD — The Board of Regents for Higher Education have allocated $3 million in onetime funding to launch the Pledge to Advance Connecticut, according to a statement. Passed as part of the 2019 biennial budget, but without a designated source of funding, PACT is Connecticut's tuition and fee-free community college program. The BOR’s action is expected to cover PACT scholarships for eligible students for the fall 2020 semester, but additional state funding would be required for the program to continue in the spring.

“With the economic effects of the pandemic lingering, the opportunity for individuals to access a community college education is more imperative than ever,” said David Levinson, Interim President of Connecticut

State Community College. “The Board of Regents’ action today is an important, albeit temporary, step to get the tuition and feefree community college program up and running for the fall semester. We look forward to working with our legislative partners to find a permanent solution – and in the meantime, we encourage folks to apply to the community college nearest them.”

To qualify for PACT, potential students must meet the following requirements: Be a graduate of a public or private Connecticut high school (GED and homeschooled students qualify). Be a first-time college student (those who participated in dual enrollment programs while in high school are not excluded). Fill out FAFSA and accept all awards. Attend community college fulltime (12 or more credits per semester). Apply and register by July 15 for priority consideration. Participate in a degree or creditbearing certificate program. Once enrolled, remain in good academic standing. Potential students seeking to learn more about PACT can visit ct.edu/ pact.

Commission on the Arts accepting grant applications

MIDDLETOWN — The Middletown Commission on the Arts (MCA) welcomes grant applications for programs and/or projects that enrich the lives of Middletown residents through the arts and culture. It shall be the policy of the MCA to encourage and stimulate artistic and cultural creativity within the community through a Matching Funds Program. The intent of the Matching Funds Program is to provide eligible applicants support for artistic/cultural projects and events that benefit Middletown residents.

The commission considers applications from organizations, businesses, arts-related groups, and from individuals two times a year. Commission-funded programs and projects include, but are not limited to, performances, exhibitions, children’s arts programs, arts education, public art, and other arts activities. The commission is particularly interested in programs that reach and benefit Middletown residents in all of the community’s diversity.

Grants:

General Operating Support: Funding support greater than $8,000 toward the general operations of non-profit arts organizations, or of an organization’s major project. An organization may apply for a GOS and Project Grant within the same 12 month period. Applications deadline is Jan. 15.

Project Support Grant: Funding support up to $7,999 toward a specific art project presentation by either an organization, business, or an individual. Limited to one (1) award per 12 month period. Application deadlines: Sept. 15.

Applications must be received by the MCA Office Staff by 4 p.m. on the day of the deadline.

Forms and more information are available at http://www.middletownct.gov/ 297/Grant-Information For information, contact the City of Middletown Arts & Culture Office at 860-638-4510, or email arts@mddletownct.gov