ESTABLISHING A PEN CENTRE
Establishing a new PEN Centre is a long process, which usually takes about two years. The PEN International Secretariat will support writers who seek to form a Centre by providing guidance from the start to the end of the process. It is critical that writers interested in setting up a new PEN Centre collaborate closely with colleagues at the Secretariat in London, to ensure that new PEN Centres have strong structures in place and the best possible chance of guaranteeing their growth and sustainability.
There will normally be one Centre in each country, except where there are long distances or multiple languages in use. When an additional Centre is proposed in a given country, all Centres already existing in the country concerned will need to be consulted first. There cannot be more than five PEN Centres in any country at any time.
What you need to do:
Inform the Secretariat of your interest in setting up a PEN Centre and receive the governing documents from the Secretariat
Establish a steering committee to work with the Secretariat and oversee planning for the prospective Centre – usually with a minimum of four writers;
Establish regular communication with the Secretariat;
Widely circulate your intention to establish a PEN Centre, seeking interest from the full diversity of writers in your country. PEN’s membership is open to all writers (poets, essayists, novelists, journalists, bloggers and academics) as well as editors, translators, and publishers. You must also ensure diversity of gender and inclusivity of minorities (linguistic, ethnic, sexual orientation).
Complete all the necessary paperwork.
You will only be recognised as a ‘PEN Centre’ following a vote establishing the founding of a PEN Centre at the PEN International annual Congress.
Please note: DO NOT call yourself a PEN Centre before you have been recognised by the Main Assembly of the PEN International annual Congress.
For further information please contact Olha Mukha,
Congress, Committees and New Centres Manager
