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New Issues gets funding to promote Michigan poets

June 15, 2010

KALAMAZOO--Michigan poets will get some much-needed help thanks to a $7,500 grant to Western Michigan University's literary press, New Issues Poetry and Prose.

The grant is from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and will be used to support the promotion of Michigan poets published by New Issues.

One Michigan poet to be supported by the grant is Khaled Mattawa, a University of Michigan professor and author of "Tocqueville," a collection of poems published by New Issues in April 2010. Mattawa is the author of three previous books of poetry, "Ismailia Eclipse," "Zodiac of Echoes" and "Amorisco."

"Tocqueville" has won praise from critics and fellow poets alike.

" 'Tocqueville' names the names, walks the walk and definitely talks the talk," says poet Yusef Komunyakaa. "Here's a book of marvelous poems for our times; its textured complexity radiates and sings."

Events supported by the grant have been arranged for Mattawa throughout Michigan, including readings and discussions at independent bookstores, summer arts festivals and community colleges.

For more information on supported artists and events, visit the New Issues Poetry and Prose blog.

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Media contact: Mark Schwerin, (269) 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu

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