At Home Everywhere – Artists and activists challenge narratives of migration & xenophobia
Iranian musician Arya Aramnejad and Associate Arts Producer at Index on Censorship Julia Farrington launch the conference with speeches and music
Over 300 writers, artists and activists from more than 50 countries around the world will gather in Rotterdam 29-31 May.
Special guests:
award-winning US/Chinese writer Yiyun Li
Bangladeshi photographer and activist Shahidul Alam,
Sudanese political cartoonist Khalid Albaih
and Turkish novelist Asli Erdogan
The City of Rotterdam and the Verhalenhuis Belvedere are proud to host the biennual PEN International and International Cities of Refuge Network/ICORN Network Meeting.
1 in 113 people in the world today have been driven from their homes. People have always been forced to move against their will: they’ve fled wars and natural disasters, persecution and violence. Simultaneously, the space for rights and freedoms is shrinking around the world, making targets of writers, journalists and artists who safeguard civil rights and free speech by both state and non-state actors seeking to silence critics.
‘What is extraordinary about this meeting is the breadth of the experience of the speakers and participants it brings together. They include some of the most insightful and prominent voices in the defence of freedom of expression.’ - Salil Tripathi, Chair of PEN International’s Writers in Prison Committee
Both PEN International and ICORN are dedicated to creating opportunities for writers and artists to move freely – intellectually, culturally, physically. Cities are becoming important actors for hospitality, solidarity and creativity, and since 2006 more than 200 writers, journalists and artists have found safety and the opportunity to continue to work in an ICORN residency. The PEN/ICORN Meeting, At Home Everywhere, will bring together experts, writers, artists, journalists and partner organisations to challenge narratives around some of today's most pressing issues.
Public events and discussion on board the SS ROTTERDAM at Katendrecht:
Thursday 30 May, 16:00-17:30 – The Role of the Writer in Countering Xenophobia
This panel will explore how writers can combat xenophobia and hate speech in the context of defending freedom of expression.
Thursday 30 May, 18:00-19:00 – The Art of Losing a Home, The Art of Finding a Home
Can you find your home everywhere? What is the secret art of losing and finding a home? The acclaimed writer, PEN/ Hemingway Award recipient Yiyun Li, delivers this keynote address.
Friday 31 May, 11:00-12:30 – Towards Inclusive Cities and Societies
This panel will explore how cities can develop concrete actions to support the inclusion of refugees and migrants in Europe.
31 May, 13:30-15:00 – There is No Place Like Home
Concluding public session with keynote speakers and special guests to discuss the lived reality they have experienced. The extraordinary personal stories of creation, resistance and survival allows our audience to experience first-hand the power of art and stories to create meaningful change.
For a full programme click here.
For more information about the conference click here.
For more information, please contact PEN International’s Campaigns & Communications Manager, Sahar Halaimzai, or ICORN’s communications Manager, Cathrine Helland.
Sahar Halaimzai: [email protected] |t. +44 (0)20 7405 0338
Cathrine Helland: [email protected] I t. +47 4795 3195
For more information about the Verhalenhuis Belvedere, hosts of the ICORN residency programme in Rotterdam, and the PEN/ICORN conference, please contact Communication Manager, Ellen Hiep.
Ellen Hiep [email protected]