English PEN

English PEN
Formation1921; 103 years ago (1921)
TypeLiterary society, human rights organization
Legal statusNon-governmental organization
Official language
English
Key people
Board of Trustees[1]
Websitewww.englishpen.org

Founded in 1921, English PEN is one of the world's first non-governmental organisations and among the first international bodies advocating for human rights.[2] English PEN was the founding centre of PEN International, a worldwide writers' association with 145 centres in more than 100 countries.[3] The President of English PEN is Margaret Busby, succeeding Philippe Sands in April 2023.[4][5] The Director is Daniel Gorman.[6] The Chair is Ruth Borthwick.[1]

English PEN celebrates the diversity of literature and envisions a world with free expression and equity of opportunity for all by supporting writers at risk and campaigning for freedom of expression nationally and internationally.[7] English PEN also hosts events and prizes to champion international literature, showcase the diversity of writing, and celebrate literary courage.[8] By supporting literature in translation into English and developing opportunities for publishers, translators and translated voices, English PEN aims to encourage diversity in the literary landscape.[9]

  1. ^ a b Board of Trustees - English PEN.
  2. ^ International Human Rights: PEN Teaching Guides
  3. ^ PEN (Organization): An Inventory of its Records at the Harry Ransom Center
  4. ^ Page, Benedicte (5 January 2018), "Philippe Sands to take on English PEN Presidency", The Bookseller.
  5. ^ "Margaret Busby appointed President of English PEN", English PEN, 19 April 2023.
  6. ^ Chandler, Mark (27 March 2019), "Gorman made English PEN director as Byatt joins First Story", The Bookseller.
  7. ^ "What we stand for" - English PEN.
  8. ^ Prizes | PEN Prizes - English PEN.
  9. ^ Translation | Writers in Translation - English PEN.