Freedom to write
freedom to read
PEN Sydney has been protecting freedom of expression for more than 90 years. We also defend writers here and around the globe who are at risk of being silenced.
With the support of our members – a community of writers, readers, translators and activists – we celebrate writing in all its forms through our public conversations, publications and activism.
We are an affiliate of PEN International and are inspired by their charter, which states Literature knows no frontiers.
News & Media
jimmy lai sentenced
On February 9, writer and publisher Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty under Hong Kong’s 2020 National Security...
Iranian poet arrested
PEN Sydney joins PEN America in condemning the detention of Iranian poet Ali Asadollahi. His arrest comes in the context of mass civil protests in...
Three Iranian Writers face imprisonment
This conversation was originally published in 2020. It was organised by PEN Sydney, on behalf of the Australian PEN Centres in Melbourne and Perth....
The PEN Sydney magazine has compelling articles about freedom of expression, the imprisonment of writers and journalists, the literary world and original fiction and poetry.
It’s published twice a year in print and online and distributed for free to PEN Sydney members and at writers’ festivals and bookshops.
FROM OUR WRITERS
PEN Sydney works to free writers who are at risk of being silenced. Their words and courage give us the motivation to continue.
“The role that writers can play in times of uncertainty, diligently curating narratives to nourish empathy, encompassing glimpses of joy and ultimately offering the gift of hope, lacks formal recognition, and this lack of acknowledgement or coherent protections can ultimately decimate expression and propel rampant self-censorship.”
be part of the conversation
be a pen friend
Join our community of writers, readers, translators and activists and help us protect the basic human right to freedom of expression.
You’ll receive; the PEN Sydney magazine and newsletter, early tickets to our events and the opportunity to participate in our activities, such as letter writing campaigns.
Your annual membership is tax deductible.
Concession Pen
$40 a year
Pen Membership
$80 a year
Corporate Pen
$250 a year
help us make a difference
Why support PEN Sydney?
We’ve been celebrating the written word and defending freedom of expression for 90 years, and we want to continue to do that for many more to come. But our work can only continue thanks to the generosity of our donors, whose support allows us to keep going.
Every day writers are detained, harassed or even killed for their work. With your help, we’ll continue to stand up for writers facing persecution around the world, work to ensure that everyone has the right to share their ideas and views and champion Australian and international writing.
Make a tax deductible donation today.