PEN Literary Gala

When: Tuesday, May 1
Where: American Museum of Natural History, 79th St. and Central Park West, New York City 
What time: 6:30 p.m.

Cocktails, dinner, and presentations

Tickets: $1,000 includes three-course meal and wine. For ticket information, call Meghan Kyle-Miller at (212) 334-1660 ext. 112 or purchase here.

The PEN Literary Gala is a glittering gathering of nearly one hundred major American and international writers and is a highlight of New York literary and social calendars. The writers host more than five hundred guests who support PEN’s work securing the liberty of imprisoned writers of conscience worldwide, defending freedom of expression wherever it is threatened, and promoting literature and international cultural exchange. The 2012 PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award will be conferred at the Gala on an imprisoned writer in particularly dire circumstances. A remarkable 33 out of the past 35 recipients of this award have gained their freedom in large part due to the publicity it receives. The recipient of this year’s PEN Literary Service Award, also conferred at the Gala and honoring a writer whose critically acclaimed work illuminates the human condition in original and powerful ways, will be Edward Albee. Come toast the award recipients, support PEN’s work, and celebrate the official opening of the PEN World’s Voices Festival.