Anwar Shahadat, New York.
The annual literary showcase by PEN America concluded its 2026 edition of the PEN World Voices Festival on May 2, wrapping up four days of programming held across New York and Los Angeles.
This year’s festival brought together more than 140 writers from over 40 countries, featuring discussions on global literature, free expression, political conflict, climate change, translation, and the evolving role of storytelling in a polarized world.
Held from April 29 to May 2, the festival transformed venues across both cities into literary hubs, hosting conversations, readings, and public events with internationally recognized authors. Highlights included panels on democracy and identity, dystopian fiction and political systems, as well as conversations on migration, censorship, and cultural memory.
The closing night event on May 2 featured leading contemporary writers discussing how literature reflects global plurality and shared human experience. Additional public-facing installations included an independent literary fair in Washington Square Park, public art projects, and open-air discussions aimed at broad audience engagement.
Organizers said the festival continues its mission of promoting free expression and literary exchange amid growing global concerns over censorship and cultural division.
The 2026 edition marked another major installment of the long-running festival, reinforcing its position as a key international platform for writers and ideas.
