News Summary
The Black Mountain Institute at UNLV is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary this fall with a variety of literary events. Open to the public and free of charge, the celebrations will showcase discussions featuring emerging writers and scholars, and will highlight the institute’s long-standing commitment to cultivating a vibrant literary community in Las Vegas. The lineup includes live podcasts, virtual conversations, and an evening with notable authors, underscoring BMI’s impact on the Southern Nevada literary scene.
Las Vegas – This fall, the Black Mountain Institute (BMI), an esteemed literary center located at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), will mark its 20th anniversary with an array of exciting literary events. The celebrations, beginning in September and open to the public at no charge, aim to engage local and international audiences through discussions involving emerging writers, artists, and scholars, all exploring themes relevant to Las Vegas.
Founded in 2006 by UNLV President Emerita Carol Harter, BMI has centered its mission on attracting writers to Las Vegas, fostering a vibrant literary community, and nurturing aspiring writers in the Southern Nevada region. Over the years, the institute has hosted numerous distinguished authors, including Nobel laureate Toni Morrison, acclaimed novelist Joyce Carol Oates, and contemporary voices like Layli Long Soldier and Percival Everett.
The upcoming events are set to feature the current BMI writers in residence, including KB Brookins, author of “Pretty”; Isle McElroy, known for “The Atmospherians” and “People Collide”; Muriel Leung, author of “Bone Confetti,” “Imagine Us,” and “How to Fall in Love in a Time of Unnameable Disaster”; and Saretta Morgan, who has penned “Alt-Nature,” “Feeling Upon Arrival,” and “room for a counter interior.” Each of these writers brings unique perspectives and creative energy to the events, enhancing the celebration’s diversity and significance.
Among the planned events is a live podcast recording of “Thresholds,” featuring Jayson Greene and Jordan Kisner at The Beverly Theater. Additionally, there will be a virtual event titled “Love Is Inconvenience: A Conversation” with Maya Salameh and KB Brookins, allowing for broader participation from those unable to attend in person. Further discussions will include “StraightioLab” with special guests at the Vegas Theatre Company and a virtual conversation termed “Writing the Personal and the Planetary: A Conversation,” which is hosted in collaboration with Orion Magazine, featuring Meera Subramanian and Neal Thompson.
Culminating these events will be “An Evening with Maz Jobrani and Maryam Ala Amjadi,” taking place at the Philip J. Cohen Theatre in the UNLV Student Union. A virtual event titled “A Conversation with Johanna Hedva and Isle McElroy” will also be held, facilitating dialogues on literary topics that intersect with personal and geographical narratives.
In addition to these festivities, BMI has made significant contributions to the literary landscape through its publications, including the literary magazine *Witness* and the international literary journal *Interim*. The fellowship program at BMI has integrated numerous emerging writers into the local literary community, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to supporting new voices in literature.
As the Black Mountain Institute approaches this anniversary, its impact on the Southern Nevada literary scene is evident not only in the notable figures it draws but also in its dedication to cultivating future talent. With a lineup of diverse events, the institute invites individuals from all walks of life to participate in the celebration, promoting a culture of discussion and appreciation for literature.
For those interested in learning more about the events or the Black Mountain Institute’s ongoing programs, additional information is available on their official website, blackmountaininstitute.org.
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