PEN American Center

PEN American Center, a prominent literary organization, is a chapter of the worldwide PEN International network, which was founded in London in 1921 by Catherine Amy Dawson Scott, John Galsworthy, and H.G. Wells. The organization has a long history of promoting literary fiction, poetry, and nonfiction works, and has been a strong advocate for freedom of expression and human rights, often collaborating with organizations like Amnesty International and the United Nations. With a diverse membership that includes renowned authors such as Don DeLillo, Toni Morrison, and Philip Roth, the organization has become a leading voice in the literary world, often partnering with institutions like the New York Public Library and the 92nd Street Y. The center's work is also closely tied to the efforts of other prominent literary organizations, including the National Book Foundation and the Poets & Writers.

● History

The history of the organization dates back to 1922, when the first American chapter of PEN International was established in New York City. Over the years, the organization has undergone significant changes, with notable events including the Writers' War Board during World War II, which brought together writers like Ernest Hemingway, John Steinbeck, and Langston Hughes to support the war effort. The organization has also been involved in various Cold War-era initiatives, including the Congress for Cultural Freedom, which was supported by writers like Arthur Koestler and George Orwell. In recent years, the organization has continued to evolve, with a growing focus on issues like censorship and surveillance, often working with organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union. The center has also partnered with institutions like the Columbia University and the University of California, Berkeley to promote literary and intellectual freedom.

● Mission and Activities

The mission of the organization is to promote literary fiction, poetry, and nonfiction works, while also advocating for freedom of expression and human rights. The organization's activities include hosting literary events, such as the PEN World Voices Festival, which has featured authors like Salman Rushdie, Margaret Atwood, and Michael Ondaatje. The organization also provides support to writers who are facing censorship or persecution, often working with organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists and the International Rescue Committee. Additionally, the organization offers a range of programs and services, including writing workshops and literary awards, which have been supported by institutions like the National Endowment for the Arts and the Ford Foundation. The center has also collaborated with other literary organizations, including the Writers Guild of America and the Authors Guild, to promote the interests of writers and support the literary community.

● Notable Members

The organization has a diverse membership that includes many renowned authors, such as Joyce Carol Oates, Richard Ford, and Jennifer Egan. Other notable members include Michael Cunningham, Hilton Als, and Zadie Smith, who have all been involved in the organization's activities and initiatives. The organization has also been supported by prominent literary figures like Norman Mailer, Gore Vidal, and Susan Sontag, who have all been vocal advocates for freedom of expression and human rights. The center's membership also includes writers like Alice Walker, Tayari Jones, and George Saunders, who have all been recognized for their contributions to literature and their commitment to social justice. The organization has also partnered with institutions like the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution to promote literary and cultural heritage.

● Awards and Programs

The organization offers a range of literary awards and programs, including the PEN/Faulkner Award, which has been won by authors like Toni Morrison and Philip Roth. The organization also offers the PEN/Hemingway Award, which is given to emerging writers like Jennifer Egan and George Saunders. Additionally, the organization provides support to writers through programs like the PEN Writers' Fund, which has been supported by institutions like the National Endowment for the Arts and the Ford Foundation. The center also offers a range of writing workshops and literary festivals, including the PEN World Voices Festival, which has featured authors like Salman Rushdie and Margaret Atwood. The organization has also collaborated with other literary organizations, including the National Book Foundation and the Poets & Writers, to promote literary excellence and support the writing community.

● Governance and Leadership

The organization is governed by a board of trustees that includes prominent literary figures like Andrew Solomon and Ayana Mathis. The organization's leadership has included notable figures like Norman Mailer, who served as the organization's president, and Susan Sontag, who was a longtime member and supporter. The organization is also supported by a range of literary institutions and foundations, including the National Endowment for the Arts and the Ford Foundation. The center's governance and leadership are closely tied to the efforts of other prominent literary organizations, including the Writers Guild of America and the Authors Guild, which work together to promote the interests of writers and support the literary community. The organization has also partnered with institutions like the Columbia University and the University of California, Berkeley to promote literary and intellectual freedom. Category:Literary organizations