PEN Centre Germany meets in Chemnitz in 2019
Annual conference of the Writers' Association from 9 to 12 May 2019
The PEN Centre Germany is holding its 2019 annual conference in Chemnitz from 9 to 12 May. This was announced today in Göttingen at this year's meeting of the writers' association. In addition to the regular non-public members' meeting, which is attended by around 200 authors, the conference is always accompanied by a public programme of readings and discussions. Venues include the Villa Esche, the State Museum of Archaeology and the Schauspielhaus theatre.
Mayor Barbara Ludwig: "I am delighted that the PEN Centre Germany will be holding its 2019 annual conference in our city and that we will be welcoming many renowned authors from all over Germany. Chemnitz has produced many well-known writers and authors - first and foremost, of course, Stefan Heym. The supporting programme offers Chemnitz's literature enthusiasts a wonderful opportunity to talk to some of these authors and find out about the work of the PEN Centre Germany."
The PEN Centre Germany is one of currently 150 writers' associations worldwide that are members of PEN International. PEN stands for Poets, Essayists, Novelists. Originally founded in England in 1921, the association has established itself as an advocate of the free word and is regarded as the voice of persecuted and oppressed writers. Only those who are elected by one of the centres in the various countries on the basis of special literary achievements and who commit themselves to the principles of the club by signing the charter can become members of PEN. The German PEN is particularly dedicated to the internationally unique "Writers-in-Exile" programme as a continuation of its "Writers-in-Prison" activities.