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International writer association discusses literature, cultural policy and democracy
From June 23 to 29, 2025, Darmstadt organizes the annual conference of the German Pen Center. The traditional association of writers is committed to freedom of expression and the protection of persecuted authors worldwide. At the center of the conference are literary exchange, political debates and a strong sign of democracy and human rights.
"The freedom of the word is increasingly under pressure - through populism, censorship and agitation," emphasizes Darmstadt Mayor Hanno Benz. "With the PEN conference, we want to give a clear commitment to our democratic values and show where freedom of expression is specifically threatened-for example where authors are persecuted or imprisoned."
Events for urban society, politics and literary friends
The opening of the conference is the festive event "The freedom is the freedom of the other way" on Monday, June 23, at 7 p.m. in the Literaturhaus Darmstadt. The occasion is the 20th anniversary of the Poseidon literary group. Among other things, Mayor Benz and Pen General Secretary Michael Landgraf speak, the event is moderated by Paul-Hermann Gruner.
On Thursday, June 26th, there will be a highlight with a nationwide radiance: A large-scale reading world attempt with around 2,000 pupils from over 50 nations will take place the Merck Stadium at the Böllenfall goal Children's book author and PEN member Stefan Gemmel will be on site together with Michael Landgraf and OB Benz.
Olaf Zimmermann , spokesman for the German Cultural Council, talks about "cultural policy and literature" p.m. He then discussed with Klaus-Peter Wolf and Mayor Benz. The WDR journalist Cornelia Wegerhoff takes over the moderation.
Pen as an international voice for authors
PEN general secretary Michael Landgraf underlines the role of literature as a democratic cultural asset: "Literature needs public spaces and democratic structures to develop their effect. In Darmstadt this week it becomes clear how literature contributes to freedom."
The full program of the conference with events on freedom of literature, persecution of writers worldwide and the 100-year commitment of the PEN is available on the website of the German Pen Center: www.pen-deutschland.de
(Darmstadt - PSD/Stip)
