Value proposition

Freedom to write. Freedom to read.

English PEN promotes literature and human rights. We campaign to defend writers and readers in the UK and around the world whose human right to freedom of expression is at risk.

We work to remove inequalities, where they exist, which prevent people’s enjoyment and learning from literature. Through our residency programme, we support international writers by providing them with the time and space needed to develop their practice.

We facilitate and promote translation into English of published work in foreign languages we consider to be of outstanding literary merit. We celebrate writing of merit and courage through introducing UK audiences to new and acclaimed authors and membership of literary professionals and friends as well as by the generosity of individual donors, corporate sponsors and grants from trusts and foundations, including Arts Council England.

We were established in 1921 as the founding centre of an international network of 144 PEN centres. Our membership is drawn from all those who work with the written word: Poets, Essayists, Novelists, academics, journalists, playwrights, publishers, booksellers, translators and literary agents.

Literature, Free Speech, Free Expression, Translation, Public affairs, Publishing, Campaigning, Activism, Human rights, and Events