Backwoods Literary Press, Belle Townsend, & Amanda Jo Slone

Backwoods Literary Press, Belle Townsend, & Amanda Jo Slone

Literary Arts

2025 Artist Enrichment Grant | (Frankfort) $5,000 to launch a statewide series of community events featuring readings, panels, and workshops led by rural creators. The gatherings will highlight diverse voices—BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, and women artists—while fostering dialogue around gender justice, cultural preservation, and collective empowerment. Insights and creative connections from these events will guide the development of Backwoods’ third anthology, deepening its commitment to amplifying marginalized rural perspectives, and expanding the reach of authentic storytelling across Kentucky and beyond.