In a shocking move, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has announced significant funding cuts to humanities councils across the United States, including the Utah Humanities Council, threatening the future of the beloved Utah Humanities Book Festival.
This festival has been a staple of Utah’s literary scene for over 27 years, providing a platform for local authors to share their work and engage with communities statewide.
Author Kase Johnstun recalls his first experience at the festival in 2015, shortly after the release of his memoir, ‘Beyond the Grip of Craniosynostosis.’
Holding up the festival program with his name highlighted, he felt immense pride and excitement, a poignant reminder of the importance of literature in enriching public discourse.
‘To be given a microphone and the chance to connect with an audience made me feel so cool,’ said Johnstun, reflecting on that transformative moment.
Utah Humanities, under the management of Michale McLane, emphasized the importance of compensating writers, stating, ‘We pay everyone — because it’s important.’
The festival not only pays authors but also celebrates a vast array of topics. Johnstun shared his personal story about craniosynostosis, while other authors presented diverse works, showcasing the festival’s mission to spark critical conversations around literature, culture, and community issues.
However, the recent funding cuts, communicated through an email sent in the middle of the night on April 2, have cast a shadow over the festival’s future.
The NEH claimed that funding was terminated because the humanities councils did not fulfill their contractual obligations, without providing clarity on how they fell short.
This decision marks a distressing turn for the humanities in the United States, as it is believed that the funding, which exceeds $1 million for each state and territory, will be redirected to less community-focused projects, such as creating a statue garden.
Johnstun argues that this move is emblematic of a broader trend of diminishing support for the humanities under the current administration, highlighting previous actions like the attack on the African-American History Museum at the Smithsonian and the removal of certain content from government websites.
He stresses that this is not merely about financial resources, but rather an ideological assault on critical thinking and community engagement initiatives that the humanities promote.
The impact of losing NEH funding will extend beyond the book festival; it threatens local authors, libraries, independent bookstores, and various educational and community programs in Utah.
The proposed cuts also jeopardize initiatives like the Museum on Main Street Program, which delivers Smithsonian Art to rural areas and provides art and education opportunities that residents might not otherwise access.
Johnstun poignantly notes that such decisions stifle voices that drive meaningful conversations in communities, effectively silencing narratives and reducing opportunities for cultural and educational growth.
Despite this grim outlook, the spirit of the humanities and the commitment to fostering conversation and understanding through literature endure.
As community members rally to oppose these cuts, the hope remains that platforms like the Utah Humanities Book Festival can continue to thrive, empowering local authors and inviting broader discussions on essential topics affecting society today.
In conclusion, the funding cuts enacted by the NEH signal a troubling disregard for the humanities, urging advocates and community members to resist such measures that undermine the fabric of cultural discourse and education.
Kase Johnstun, a resident of Ogden, continues to advocate for the importance of literature and shares his work to inspire hope amidst adversity, embodying the resilience and importance of the humanities in engaging with the community.
image source from：https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2025/04/22/voices-cuts-humanities/
