LitNYS is a coalition of New York State-based literary arts organizations committed to field-building work and collective thriving. It connects individuals of shared interest and purpose helping them build and sustain capacity to foster, promote and present the literary arts.

LitNYS (formerly LitTAP) is a New York State Council on the Arts Literature initiative created in response to national literary leaders’ call to professionalize the field. Established in 2001, it has developed into a comprehensive effort that builds and sustains NY State’s nonprofit literary organizations’ capacity to foster, promote, and present the Literary Arts. Its initiatives including Advancement Regrants, a Mentoring Program, Capacity Building Special Sessions, and the annual Facing Pages Statewide Literary Arts Convening heighten visibility and promote shared learning throughout the field. You can learn more by exploring this website and signing up for the monthly newsletter to stay informed.

LitNYS was designed by Debora Ott, Founding Director, who serves as lead consultant. It is coordinated hand-in-hand with Laurie Torrell, Managing Director. LitNYS is administered by Just Buffalo Literary Center, as an extension of the organization’s mission to create and strengthen communities through the literary arts.

Nearly 500 literary leaders depend on LitNYS for resources and community. Its network helps embed literature into the fabric of American culture so that no matter what challenges present, the literary arts can adapt and thrive.