Programs

Free Expression
The Free Expression Programs defend writers and protect free expression in the United States and around the world.

Prison Writing
The Prison Writing Program sponsors an annual writing contest, publishes a free handbook for prisoners, and provides one-on-one mentoring to inmates.

The Writers’ Fund
The PEN Writers’ Fund provides financial assistance to professionally published writers and editors facing acute financial crisis.

World Voices Festival
Each spring, the PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature showcases the work of writers from across in an exciting cross-cultural celebration of the written word. Chaired by Colm Tóibín, the Festival has featured such luminaries as Nadine Gordimer, Toni Morrison, Orhan Pamuk, Umberto Eco, Ian McEwan, and Mario Vargas Llosa.

Literary Awards
PEN confers over $150,000 to writers in the fields of fiction, science writing, essays, sports writing, biography, children’s literature, translation, drama, or poetry.

PEN America: A Journal for Writers and Readers
PEN’s literary journal publishes fiction, poetry, memoir, and conversations. It champions international authors and invites them to contribute to provocative forums.