PEN America's 2026 World Voices Festival: A Return to Literary Advocacy

PEN America has announced the 2026 World Voices festival, scheduled to take place from April 29 to May 2 in New York and Los Angeles. This four-day event will feature writers from over 140 countries, including notable authors such as Judith Butler, Bill McKibben, Cory Doctorow, Megha Majumdar, and Katie Kitamura. The festival aims to celebrate literature's unifying power and counteract the prevailing closed-mindedness attributed to nationalist sentiments.

The Guardian

The 2026 festival marks a significant return for PEN America after the cancellation of the 2024 World Voices festival. This cancellation followed widespread criticism from authors who were discontented with the organization’s perceived inaction regarding the war in Gaza. An open letter signed by writers, including Naomi Klein and Isabella Hammad, accused PEN America of betraying its commitment to peace and equality by failing to advocate for an immediate ceasefire. In response to the backlash, PEN America stated that the political climate made it impossible to hold the festival in alignment with its founding principles.

The Guardian

The upcoming festival is the first under the leadership of joint CEOs Summer Lopez and Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf, who were appointed in February 2026. Festival director Sabir Sultan emphasized that the event represents "an act of jubilant defiance," highlighting literature's role in fostering connections and reflecting societal realities. The organization has drawn parallels between the current political climate and the context in which the festival was established in 2004, following the events of 9/11 and the Iraq War.

The Guardian

In addition to author talks and panel discussions, the festival will feature public activations across New York City. Notable events include the 10th annual Indie Lit Fair in Washington Square and a large public mural installation by the Afghan artist collective ArtLords in Union Square. The festival will commence with an opening event titled "Attacks on Democracy: The Plot Against America," featuring discussions on the current state of democracy in the United States.

The Guardian

PEN America has framed the 2026 World Voices festival as a reaffirmation of its commitment to literary advocacy and free speech. The organization stated, “The current moment bears a chilling resemblance to the one from which the festival emerged,” emphasizing the need for literature to confront cultural isolationism.

The Guardian

Despite the festival's optimistic framing, the shadow of past controversies lingers. Critics continue to question whether PEN America has adequately addressed the concerns raised during the 2024 cancellation, particularly regarding its stance on international conflicts and human rights issues.

The Guardian

• “Sabir Sultan, festival director, said in a statement: “The 2026 World Voices festival is an act of jubilant defiance - an insistence on the power of literature …” — Sabir Sultan, Festival Director

The Guardian

• “We believe that PEN America has betrayed the organization’s professed commitment to peace and equality for all.” — Open letter from authors, including Naomi Klein and Isabella Hammad

The Guardian

The 2026 World Voices festival represents a pivotal moment for PEN America as it seeks to navigate the complexities of literary advocacy in a politically charged environment.

The Guardian