Exhibit opening November 2025 & on view throughout 2026
Public Programs Ongoing
Description and Sponsorship Opportunities
“I am not ashamed to admit that I belong to those who fantasize that literature is capable of bringing new horizons and new perspectives – philosophical, religious, aesthetical and even social. In the history of old Jewish literature there was never any basic difference between the poet and the prophet.”
– Isaac Bashevis Singer, 1978 Nobel Prize in Literature Lecture
Religion is an inherent part of American culture, and throughout our history and into today, writers help to deepen our understanding of our beliefs and the beliefs of others. From the poet Phyllis Wheatley to the comedian Harold Ramis, writers are driven by their beliefs and the beliefs of those around them, and their work can in turn influence countless readers.
American Prophets is exploring this concept through the museum’s largest special exhibit and program series to date. We invite you to be part of this initiative with a sponsorship gift that will help us reach thousands with the goal of increasing empathy and understanding of the differences and similarities that are inherent in a country with the founding principle of freedom of religion for all.
Partner Testimonials
Eboo Patel
Founder & President
Interfaith America
“The museum offers a powerful platform for examining religion through the lens of American writers. By showcasing the rich tapestry of religious perspectives within American literature, I am confident that this project can spark meaningful dialogue that will help to bridge divides.”
Michelle T. Boone
President
Poetry Foundation
“The Poetry Foundation is confident that the AWM will develop a thought-provoking and inclusive exploration of religion in American literature through its ‘American Prophets’ exhibit and public programs. We are enthusiastic about the potential of this project to spark important conversations and contribute to a more respectful and knowledgeable society.”
Emily D. Crews
Executive Director
Martin Marty Center for the Public Understanding of Religion, University of Chicago Divinity School
“The AWM is uniquely positioned to explore the intersection of religion and literature in the United States — this project will ignite rich discussions about religion in American life for thousands of visitors from across the world.”
Advisory Committee
Emily D. Crews, Ph.D.
Executive Director
The Martin Marty Center at the University of Chicago Divinity School (UCDS)
Sarah Hammerschlag Ph.D.
Professor of Religion & Literature, Philosphy of Religions & History of Judaism
UCDS
Matthew Harris Ph.D.
Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellow of Religious in the Americas
UCDS
Keidrick Roy
Junior Fellow
Harvard Society of Fellows
Cathleen Falsani MS
Journalist, Author and Co founder
Sinner and Saints Creative Consulting
Constance Furey Ph.D.
Professor of Religious Studies
Indiana University
Jenan Mohajir MS
Vice President of External Affairs
Interfaith America
W. Clark Gilpin Ph.D.
Margaret E. Burton Professor Emeritus (Dean from 1990-2000)
UCDS
Ilan Stavans Ph.D.
Lewis-Sebring Professor of Humanities and Latin American and Latino Culture; Publisher at Restless Books
Amherst College
Ivy Wilson Ph.D.
Professor of English
Northwestern University
Partners
Recognizing the importance of collaboration in creating a comprehensive exploration of religion in America, the AWM is partnering with a number of individuals and organizations with expertise in religion, faith, spirituality, and literary arts. These partners listed below will help bring to fruition the thought provoking exhibitions, programs, and educational materials that will comprise American Prophets.
Key Components
Opening November 2025
Interactive displays and artifacts displayed throughout the entire museum, such as:
- Ursula K. Le Guin‘s personal copy of the Tao Te Ching
- Groundhog Day writer Harold Ramis‘ pocket-sized primer on Buddhism
- Louie Pérez‘s religious statue that inspires his work in the band Los Lobos
Ongoing through 2026
Live programs with contemporary writers:
- Award-winning and best-selling authors
- Fiction writers, playwrights, screenwriters, poets, and songwriters
- Discussing religion in comedy, science fiction, romance, horror, and beyond
Launching in the 2026-2027 school year
New resources on religion and writing, including:
- Youth education programs, inspiring the next generation of writers
- New student curricula for elementary, middle, and high school
- An anthology on religion and writing based on the exhibit published by Restless Books
Exhibit Preview
Entrance to American Prophets via the Meijer Gallery
Jukebox of songs inspired by religion and spirituality
Interactive kiosks in the Meijer Gallery
Artifact wall featuring Flannery O’Connor’s rosary, Louie Pérez’s statue of the Santa Niño de Atocha, and more
Event Series
Acclaimed fiction writers N.K. Jemisin, Nnedi Okorafor, Nghi Vo, and Matthew Kirby at the American Prophets kickoff event “Making New Gods” held on Tuesday, April 22 at Harold Washington Library Center
Paul Elie and Emily Crews discussing Elie’s book, The Last Supper at the American Writers Museum
“Faith is Funny” featuring Gibran Saleem, Hari Kondabolu, Peter Sagal, and Kate Sidley discussing religion in comedy writing at the Studebaker Theater
Additional American Prophets Public Programs presented so far this year include:
- Dave Barry at Chicago Hope Academy, who discussed his life as the son of a Presbyterian minister who ended up winning a Pulitzer for a hilarious newspaper column read by millions
- Paul Elie at the Museum discussing his new book, The Last Supper, which explores the origins of our post-secular present and the moment when popular culture became the site of religious conflict
- Gibran Saleem, Hari Kondabolu, Peter Sagal, and Kate Sidley at the Studebaker Theater talked about why religion is so hilarious and how their faiths — Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, Catholic — inform their jokes
- Romance writers Helene Wecker, Scarlett St. Clair, and Sajni Patel spoke at the Museum about incorporating religion in their stories, retelling myth and tradition, and dealing honestly with their characters’ spiritual beliefs
- R.O. Kwon led a generative writing workshop at the Museum to kickstart memoir writing on religious themes for writers at all levels
- Christopher Hunt, author of Jimmy’s Faith: James Baldwin, Disidentification, and Queer Possibilities of Black Religion, spoke about his book at the Museum with Northwestern University Professor Ivy Wilson
- Authors Tananarive Due, Matt Ruff, and Juan Martinez, at the University of Chicago Divinity School, examined religious imagery in horror writing, exploring the frightening side of the divine
Sponsorship Opportunities
We are seeking sponsors at various levels to help present American Prophets to a large and broad audience.
We invite a conversation about how we can work with you, your company, or foundation to create a benefits package that ensures you receive the level of recognition and engagement you desire. Sponsors will be gratefully acknowledged with customized recognition and benefits, which may include, but are not limited to, name/logo placements:
- At the entrance to the Meijer Exhibit Gallery & throughout the museum
- In credits following videos of author events
- Online accompanying the American Prophets extension
- In the acknowledgements in the American Prophets printed anthology
- In selected print and digital advertising (examples could include the Chicago Reader, WBEZ, NewCity, etc.)
- During additional free days to begin in early 2026
Benefits
All sponsor levels receive the following:
- Invitations to the exhibit opening reception, and acknowledgement at the event
- Reserved seating at in-person author events
- Complimentary group tour of the AWM and the exhibit led by the AWM President
- Opportunity to host a private event at the museum at no additional cost (Programming related to American Prophets for your group can be arranged)
- Year-long recognition on the AWM’s list of annual donors in the museum and on the website
- Free museum admission for company employees and their guests for one year
Suggested Levels
Lead Sponsor $100,000
Major Sponsor $50,000
Partner Sponsor $25,000
Guild Sponsor $10,000
Current Sponsors
John and
Cathie Estey
Catherine Mouly
and Ted Carlson
Joan E. and
Robert A. Clifford
Irwin and Phillips Family
Interested in sponsorship?
Start a conversation with Linda Dunlavy, Director of Development
(312) 374-8762
Museum Impact
The American Writers Museum (AWM) opened in May 2017 in downtown Chicago as the nation’s first and only museum celebrating American writers in all genres, their work, and its enduring relevance. With innovative and dynamic state-of-the-art exhibitions and compelling programming, the AWM educated, enriches, provokes, and inspires the public. With over 400 five-star reviews and a Traveler’s Choice award on TripAdvisor, we are realizing our vision to become the recognized center for the celebration of American writers and writing.
Here is our press release on American Prophets, and here is what visitors are saying about the museum:
Marketing and Promotion
American Prophets Marketing Plan
The AWM will promote American Prophets through a comprehensive marketing and communications campaign that will use the exhibit and programs to increase awareness of the exhibit and the museum to local and tourist audiences. It will be promoted through digital marketing, paid advertising, and trade marketing to tour operators and hotels. This broad reach will provide ample opportunity for sponsor recognition. As reported by The Travel Industry of America, “the religious travel community travels twice as often on a group package tour as the population as a whole,” so outreach to these groups will be effective in bringing groups to the exhibit.
Our Audience
The AWM is designed and promoted to be enjoyed by people of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, races, and identities, serving writers, literary enthusiasts, educators, students and the general public through a variety of exhibits and programs that explore the history, culture, and impact of American writing. We are making our way back to pre-pandemic traffic levels of 35,000-40,000 annual visitors. Online, the museum serves roughly 250,000 visitors annually.
Demographics
On behalf of the American Writers Museum, thank you for your interest in this important initiative. Together, we can present a powerful exploration of the intersection of American writing and religion.
To learn more, start a conversation with Linda Dunlavy, Director of Development:
dunlavy@americanwritersmuseum.org
(312) 374-8762