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Sydney PEN, an affiliate of International PEN, is an association of writers devoted to freedom of expression in Australia and in the world at large. In accordance with the PEN Charter it uses its influence on behalf of writers anywhere who are silenced by persecution, exile or imprisonment and acts as an authoritative source on all matters of free expression. Through a range of community activities it promotes the written word in all its forms as a way to understanding and the free transmission of ideas.

David Malouf, a member of Sydney PEN's writer's advisory panel, explains why he supports PEN:  'As a writer who has the freedom to write without fear or constraint and for whom silence is a choice, I would feel ashamed if I did not speak up for a writer anywhere on whom silence is enforced with all the terrible machinery of the state.'

JOIN PEN

PEN is more than a good idea; it deserves your action and ongoing support. You can actually make a difference by supporting the writers equipped to speak out through words and in print.  Take action today and become a PEN supporter.

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PEN Poem Relay - Take Action!

The International PEN Poem Relay Carries the Torch for Freedom of Expression in China

PRESS RELEASE: Freedom of Expression in Hong Kong?
Sydney PEN Joins International Organisations in Call for Freedom of Expression in China
Groups Condemn HK Government’s Denial of Writers and Artists’ Entry to Hong Kong
HONG KONG 30 April 2008: In the run up to the 100-day countdown of the Beijing Olympics, internationally renowned writers and artists, who planned to come to Hong Kong to attend peaceful activities have been denied entry by Hong Kong government. More...

Since the torch began its journey in Greece on March 24, the poem 'June' by imprisoned Chinese poet and journalist Shi Tao is also relaying around the world, country to country, language to language. When the poem arrives at a new location, you can read and hear a new translation.  The website www.penpoemrelay.org  presents a map of the world showing the progress of the poem relay, which takes its cue from the Olympic Torch Relay itinerary. Visit the website for the latest news and updates More... 

Join the China Campaign. As the Beijing 2008 Olympics near, International PEN continues to call for improved civil and political rights for writers and journalists in China, and believes there are currently over 38 in Chinese prisons. Through its letter-writing campaigns and lobbying of foreign and local governments, PEN seeks to end both custodial and non-custodial forms of repression of writers' free expression. Take action to campaign for free expression in China.

Macquarie PEN Anthology of Aboriginal Literature

A groundbreaking collection of work from some of the great Australian Aboriginal writers, the Macquarie PEN Anthology of Aboriginal Literature offers a rich panorama of over 200 years of Aboriginal culture, history and life. From Bennelong's 1796 letter to contemporary creative writers, Anita Heiss and Peter Minter have selected work that represents the range and depth of Aboriginal writing in English. The Macquarie PEN Anthology of Aboriginal Literature is published as part of the Macquarie PEN Anthology of Australian Literature project. Published by Allen & Unwin, the Anthology will be available from 7 May following the launch by Hetti Perkins.

Sydney PEN 2020 Summit Submission

Towards a creative Australia: the future of the arts, film and design
Please click here for Sydney PEN's submission to the Summit to provide ideas for how Australia can promote the freedom of expression of writers in Australia and overseas. Thank you to the many members that provided input.

The Australian Press Freedom Dinner – 2 May

The Australian Press Freedom Dinner on 2 May unites journalists, entertainers and thinkers ahead of World Press Freedom Day. It is a reminder that many journalists brave death or jail to hold those in power to account. Guest speaker will be International Editor of Time Magazine, Michael Elliott
Tickets are $130. For further information visit http://www.alliance.org.au/pressfreedom/

Changing the World with Words

Saturday 3rd May 2008, 2pm to 4pm
SMSA (Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts)
280 Pitt St, Sydney
FREE event

Each May Sydney becomes a city transformed by words with the annual Sydney Writers Festival. Join us at the SMSA for an afternoon exploring the transformative power of words. Through the varied lenses of history, poetry and fiction we’ll delve into how books and writing create meaning in our lives. Sydney PEN Committee Member and Chair of Young Writers Group, poet Bonny Cassidy will be joined by Brook Emery, convenor Australian Poetry Festival and Shirley Fitzgerald, City Of Sydney Council Historian.

PEN lunchtime reading with Virginia Lloyd

Tuesday 6 May, 2008
12.15pm – 12.45pm
Customs House Library
Level 2 Meeting Room
31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay
Free Admission/Bookings Essential:
Ph 9242 8555/ Library@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Sydney PEN member Virginia Lloyd will read from her memoir The Young Widow’s Book of Home Improvement.  Virginia worked as a book editor for many years, then moved from publishing into corporate communications and marketing. She now works with grant-makers and grant-seekers in the philanthropic sector. She spent eighteen months in New York while writing The Young Widow’s Book of Home Improvement (UQP 2008), her first book.

PEN lunchtime reading with Debra Adelaide

Tuesday 3 June, 2008
12.15pm – 12.45pm
Customs House Library
Level 2 Meeting Room
31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay
Free Admission/Bookings Essential:
Ph 9242 8555/ Library@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au 
Photo by Philip Klaunzer

Hear Sydney PEN member Debra Adelaide read from her latest novel The Household Guide to Dying. Debra  is the author of three novels, The Hotel Albatross and Serpent Dust, and the new release, The Household Guide to Dying. She is the editor of four themed collections of fiction and memoirs, including Acts of Dog. She has worked as a researcher, editor and book reviewer, and is now a senior lecturer in creative writing at the University of Technology, Sydney.

PEN lunchtime reading with Susan Wyndham

Tuesday 1 April, 2008
12.15pm – 12.45pm
Customs House Library
Level 2 Meeting Room
31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay
Free Admission/Bookings Essential: Ph 9242 8555/ Library@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Photo by Steve Baccon

Hear Sydney Morning Herald journalist turned author, Susan Wyndham, read from her new book, Life In His Hands (Picador), and discuss the remarkable true story of “maverick” neurosurgeon, Charlie Teo and concert pianist Aaron McMillan.

Sydney PEN, one of 145 PEN centres in 104 countries, won the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Community Award in 2004 for its work with writers in detention. Sydney PEN conducts campaigns and holds events supporting literature and defending freedom of expression.