PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide.

Aug 30, 2012 · PEN American Center was founded in 1922 and is the largest of the 144 PEN centers in 101 countries that together compose International PEN. Throughout its 90-year history, PEN …

Apr 25, 2025 · Twelve debut writers chosen for originality, craft, and pushing the boundaries of the genre were announced today as winners of the $2000 PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for …

In the aftermath of the Attica prison uprising, American PEN establishes the PEN Prison Writing Program to amplify the work of writers who are creating while incarcerated in the United States.

Feb 27, 2025 · The removal of books focused on people of color, race and racism, and LGBTQ+ subjects from public schools continues as part of a concerted and dangerous campaign nationwide, …

The 2025 PEN America Literary Gala held on May 15 was grounded in a collective response to the divisive issues of the day that drive PEN America’s mission to defend free speech and celebrate writers.

Dec 18, 2025 · PEN America is honored to announce the Longlists for the 2026 Literary Awards. Our awards are juried by panels of esteemed, award-winning authors, editors, translators, and critics.

Aug 7, 2025 · Since 2021, PEN America has been at the forefront of documenting and defending against the unprecedented rise of school book bans nationwide and the spread of educational censorship …

Feb 19, 2025 · As of the 2024 grant conferral, PEN America confers two PEN/Bare Life Review Grants of $5,000 each. The grants are made possible by a substantial contribution from The Bare Life …

What is PEN America and what does PEN America do? Find answers to our most frequently asked questions about PEN America programs, membership, and more.