“So I imagine that the originators [of PEN] believed that what was required, if mankind was not to destroy itself, was an organized reminder that humanity’s survival transcended any nation’s political interest and that the most convincing example if not proof of humanity’s essential oneness was the universality of the best literature.”
—Arthur Miller, New York, NY, April 23, 2001
Named for the former PEN president and fierce defender of the freedom of expression, the Arthur Miller Freedom to Write Lecture is the culminating event of the week-long PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature and features leading voices addressing critical free expression challenges. Luminaries who have commanded the podium are:
 | 2015 – Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie |
 | 2014 – Colm Tóibín |
 | 2013 – Sonia Sotomayor |
 | 2012 – Salman Rushdie |
 | 2011 – Wole Soyinka |
 | 2010 – Christopher Hitchens |
 | 2009 – Nawal El Saadawi |
 | 2008 – Umberto Eco |
 | 2007 – David Grossman |
 | 2006 – Orhan Pamuk |
About the Arthur Miller Foundation
“The mission of the theater, after all, is to change, to raise the consciousness of people to their human possibilities.” —Arthur Miller
The Arthur Miller Foundation believes that arts education is a right of every New York City public school student. To honor the legacy of Arthur Miller and his NYC public school education, they are committed to:
• Promoting increased access and equity to theater arts education in schools
• Increasing the number of students receiving theater arts education as an integral part of their academic curriculum
This is an extraordinary time to move the needle in furthering arts education. The current New York City Schools Chancellor, Carmen Farina, is a strong believer in arts education as an integral part of a robust curriculum. The Arthur Miller Foundation supports the Chancellor’s goals and efforts, and will work to promote the continued growth and implementation of a strong arts education program. The Foundation also believes that if arts education assumes its rightful place in the NYC public school curriculum, we will foster generations of imaginative graduates prepared to fill the jobs of the 21st century. Learn more about Arthur Miller’s life and works at www.arthurmiller.org.
Visit the Arthur Miller Foundation online