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International Writers' Association discusses literature, cultural policy and democracy
From June 23 to 29, 2025, Darmstadt will host the annual conference of the German PEN Center. This long-established writers' association advocates worldwide for freedom of expression and the protection of persecuted authors. The conference will focus on literary exchange, political debates, and a strong commitment to democracy and human rights.
“Freedom of speech is increasingly under pressure – from populism, censorship, and hate speech,” emphasizes Darmstadt’s Mayor Hanno Benz. “With the PEN conference, we want to make a clear commitment to our democratic values and show where freedom of expression is concretely threatened – for example, where authors are persecuted or imprisoned.”
Events for the city's residents, politicians, and literature lovers
The conference opens with the celebratory event "Freedom is the freedom of those who write differently" on Monday, June 23, at 7 p.m. in the Darmstadt Literature House. The occasion is the 20th anniversary of the literary group POSEIDON. Speakers include Mayor Benz and PEN Secretary General Michael Landgraf; the event will be moderated by Paul-Hermann Gruner.
On Thursday, June 26, a highlight with nationwide appeal will take place: A large-scale reading world record attempt Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor, with around 2,000 students from over 50 nations participating. Children's book author and PEN member Stefan Gemmel will be there, along with Michael Landgraf and Mayor Benz.
That same evening, Olaf Zimmermann , spokesperson for the German Cultural Council, will speak at 8 p.m. at the Centralstation about "Cultural Policy and Literature." He will then discuss the topic with Klaus-Peter Wolf and Mayor Benz. The discussion will be moderated by WDR journalist Cornelia Wegerhoff.
PEN as an international voice for authors
PEN Secretary General Michael Landgraf emphasizes the role of literature as a democratic cultural asset: “Literature needs public spaces and democratic structures to unfold its impact. This week in Darmstadt, it will become clear how literature contributes to freedom.”
The full program of the conference, featuring events on literary freedom, the persecution of writers worldwide, and PEN's 100-year commitment, is available on the website of the German PEN Center: www.pen-deutschland.de
(DARMSTADT – PSD/stip)
