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Interlochen Unveils 2025 Pattis Family Foundation Creative Arts Book Award Shortlist

Interlochen, Michigan, has made an exciting announcement regarding its 2025 Pattis Family Foundation Creative Arts Book Award. This prestigious accolade, which includes a generous prize of $25,000, honors outstanding literary accomplishments within the creative arts domain. The shortlist for this year features a diverse selection of works that highlight the profound impact of creative expression on various forms of art.

The shortlisted titles, announced on October 27, 2025, include:

• - Dreams in Double Time: On Race, Freedom, and Bebop by Jonathan Leal
• - How Sondheim Can Change Your Life by Richard Schoch
• - Inside the Mirror: A Novel by Parul Kapur
• - My Life in Paper: Adventures in Ephemera by Beth Kephart
• - Writer's Postcards by Dipika Mukherjee

Eric Blackburn, Chair of the Selection Committee and Dean of Academics at Interlochen Arts Academy, expressed his admiration for the exceptional quality and variety of the submissions this year. He stated, "The range and quality of submissions we received this year was remarkable. This made identifying our Shortlist a particularly challenging but rewarding task. We have chosen five books exploring topics as varied as jazz, musical theater, writing, papermaking, and painting through forms like essays, music criticism, memoir-writing, and a novel. All of these works emphasize the necessity and power of creative expression."

The winner of this year’s award will be announced in December, with two additional finalists also potentially selected. The winning author will not only receive a $25,000 cash prize but will also participate in a residency at the Interlochen Arts Academy from April 8–10, 2026. This residency includes engaging in an awards ceremony and a public event at the nearby Traverse City as part of the 2026 National Writers Series on April 9, 2026. During this time, the award winner will also present to the Interlochen community, hold master classes, and converse with Interlochen Public Radio.

Established by The Pattis Family Foundation in late 2023, the Creative Arts Book Award is designed to recognize exceptional works in the realm of fiction or nonfiction that capture the essence of the creative process throughout various disciplines, including creative writing, dance, film, music, theater, and visual arts. For more details surrounding eligibility and selection criteria, interested individuals can visit Interlochen's official website.

About The Pattis Family Foundation

The Pattis Family Foundation, situated in Highland Park, Illinois, emerged from a legacy rooted in publishing. They actively promote initiatives aimed at enhancing the significance of literature and intellectual discourse. Having established the Creative Arts Book Award, they also administer the Chicago Book Award in collaboration with The Newberry Library and the Global Cities Award in partnership with Metropolis. Future associations with leading organizations in various genres are also on the horizon.

The foundation additionally backs numerous health, education, and cultural endeavors, alongside programs aimed at closing the opportunity gap for talented students facing financial constraints.

About Interlochen Center for the Arts

As a nonprofit entity recognized with the National Medal of Arts, Interlochen Center for the Arts stands out as a unique institution combining a vast summer camp program, a fine arts boarding high school, and a range of artistic activities for all age groups. With a remarkable alumni community and an extensive schedule of artistic presentations, Interlochen continues to be a beacon for arts education.

For more insights, you can explore Interlochen's online platform.

About the National Writers Series

Initiated in 2010, the National Writers Series celebrates literature through a year-long festival featuring over 250 authors, including notable New York Times bestsellers and award-winning writers. The majority of events take place in the historic Traverse City Opera House. To learn more, visit National Writers Series.