PEN Melbourne

PEN Melbourne acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, the Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation and recognises that sovereignty of this land was never ceded. PEN Melbourne pays respect to Elders both past, present and emerging, to their culture and their continuing connection to land and community.  

The PEN Melbourne Centre is one of 147 PEN International centres worldwide whose members are united in a common concern for the art of writing and freedom of expression. As an affiliate of PEN International, PEN Melbourne brings writers together from across cultures to share experiences, explore ideas and conduct public conversations about how literature transforms, influences and fosters cross-cultural exchange. PEN Melbourne focuses on women writers, Indigenous Australian writers, writers in prison, and has an interest in the Asia and Pacific region. It campaigns on behalf of persecuted and silenced writers and lets them know they are not alone. PEN Melbourne’s publication PEN Melbourne Magazine provides a forum for members to publish relevant works.

If you are a writer, involved in the literary community or you are not a writer but share an interest in human rights, you are welcome to join PEN Melbourne as a member.