Literary Arts Programming & Strategy
Strong literary programming shapes civic identity, encourages dialogue, and connects communities through shared ideas. Cultural Compass Consulting partners with municipalities, universities, libraries, and cultural organizations to design thoughtful, high-impact literary initiatives that elevate discourse and attract meaningful audiences.
Our focus is on program vision, author curation, and talent acquisition—ensuring that literary events are intellectually compelling, culturally relevant, and strategically aligned with community goals.
Please note: Cultural Compass Consulting provides programming strategy and talent development services and does not manage event logistics or on-site production.
Literary Services Include:
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Author Speaker Series Development
Designing cohesive, thematically aligned speaker series; identifying and securing nationally recognized and emerging authors; negotiating talent agreements; and advising on audience development strategy. -
One Book / One City Programs
Curating title selections aligned with community priorities; facilitating publisher and author engagement; structuring community discussion frameworks; and developing strategic partnerships to maximize participation and impact. -
Book Festival Concept Development
Crafting the vision, curatorial framework, and thematic identity for literary festivals; identifying headline and supporting authors; advising on programming tracks; and supporting sponsorship positioning through talent strategy. -
Author Talent Outreach & Acquisition
Leveraging national publishing relationships and industry networks to secure high-quality literary talent aligned with institutional goals and budget parameters. -
Literary Programming Strategy
Aligning author events with broader cultural, educational, and tourism objectives to ensure programming advances civic and institutional priorities. -
Moderation & Conversation Design
Structuring meaningful author conversations, panel discussions, and interview formats that elevate audience experience and deepen engagement.
Case Study: NEA Big Read — The ArtPocalypse (Odessa, 2018)
In 2018, under the auspices of the NEA Big Read, a national initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to bring communities together through shared literary experiences, Odessa hosted a community-wide reading program centered on the novel Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel.
The program—branded locally as The ArtPocalypse—was a multifaceted cultural collaboration that reached beyond traditional book discussions to activate community engagement with literature, art, performance, and critical conversation. Through strategic partnerships with Odessa Arts and other local organizations, the initiative wove together a series of interconnected events that invited residents and visitors alike to explore themes of resilience, creativity, and the role of the arts in envisioning our collective future.
From community book club conversations on Station Eleven to library exhibits, altered-book workshops, and literary performance events like Literary Death Match, the program leveraged the NEA Big Read framework to broaden access to literary culture and cultivate dynamic civic discourse around a unifying text.
By anchoring a slate of creative activities in a single work of literature, The ArtPocalypse demonstrated the power of shared reading to bridge disciplines, spark dialogue, and engage broad swaths of the community in arts-driven experience. Through thoughtful programming and partnerships, Odessa’s NEA Big Read not only celebrated literature, it helped position the written word as a conduit for connection, reflection, and community identity.
Notable Literary Talent & Engagements
In addition to community-wide initiatives like the NEA Big Read, Randy has worked with an array of distinguished authors and cultural figures, including:
• Michael Chabon — Pulitzer Prize–winning novelist and master storyteller
• Kathy Valentine — Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and member of The Go-Go’s
• Elizabeth Wetmore — Acclaimed novelist and Texas literary voice
• Erin Morgenstern — Bestselling author known for lyrical, imaginative works
• David Sedaris — Multiple events featuring the celebrated humorist and essayist
These engagements reflect Randy’s deep commitment to elevating literary programming and bringing nationally recognized voices to community audiences.,