An Interview with Prison Library Support Network
PLSN coordinators Manuela Aronofsky and Mia Bruner discuss the process of receiving and answering reference letters from prison. More
PEN America Statement on Canceling of Cultural Events, Amid War
“PEN America objects to the cancellation of book and cultural events, awards and promotions because of viewpoints and narratives that have become contentious in the context of the war… More
New Report Calls for Greater Protections for Threatened Artists on the Frontlines of Social and Political Change Worldwide
“With their unique ability to challenge dominant narratives, bring people together, and foster hope in a brighter future, socially engaged artists are a critical part of the battle to… More
Artist Coalition Day of Action 6/15 in New York City Advocates for Robust Online Protections for Artists
ARC Director Julie Trebault said: “Artists rely on social media to promote their work, connect with followers, and earn a living. Unfortunately, art is arbitrarily suppressed or taken down… More
PEN America: Removal of Art Exhibit on Florida Campus Shows the State Again Exerting Control over Free Expression
In response to the removal, PEN America’s senior manager of free expression and education Kristen Shahverdian, said: “It’s disappointing to see yet another removal of art on a Florida… More
Removal of Art About Abortion at Idaho College is a “Slap in the Face” to Academic and Artistic Freedom, Says PEN America
“Lewis-Clark State College’s decision to pull artworks from an exhibit on urgent challenges in healthcare today is a slap in the face to academic and artistic freedom; it undermines… More
Rising Restrictions on Artistic Freedom in Africa Linked to Political Crises, Flawed Elections and Covid
“Over the last few years in Africa, we have witnessed disturbing attacks on artists from around the continent, accompanied by widespread and pernicious efforts to dampen the right to… More
Jenny Holzer Art Installation to Light Up Rockefeller Center Buildings with Prose in Celebration of PEN America’s 100th Birthday, Starting Wed., 9/14
The outdoor installation, titled SPEECH ITSELF, will include quotes from more than 60 authors in a visual tribute to the right to express ourselves freely. Among the authors whose… More
Artist Jenny Holzer to Light Up Rockefeller Center in Tribute to PEN America’s 100 Years of Defending Free Expression
Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America, said: “Because her work reifies and celebrates words, there could not be an artist more fitting to celebrate PEN America’s centenary than the… More
The PEN Pod: Fighting for Artistic Freedom in Myanmar with Karin Deutsch Karlekar and Bart Was Not Here
“It’s really striking to see the degree to which writing is at the heart of what we are debating about. . . . we are seeing just… More