By Erin L. Cox, Publisher | @erinlcox
In 2024, PEN International issued 87 emergency grants, a 17% increase from 2023
Today, PEN International announced the launch of its first Literary Auction to support their global programs, including emergency assistance for writers at risk, securing the release of many imprisoned writers, challenging unjust censorship laws, and shining a global spotlight on attacks against free expression.The auction, which opened today at 10am GMT and is hosted on Jumblebee, features special gifts from such writers as Isabel Allende, Anthony Doerr, Yann Martel, Sir Ian Rankin, Elif Shafak, Olga Tokarczuk, among others. These writers seek to support the defense of the freedom of expression at a time when there has been an increase in attacks on writers throughout the world.
“I’m pleased to be able to support PEN International through this auction. As a member of PEN’s Writers Circle, I’ve considered it important to support PEN’s solidarity and humanitarian programs for many years,” said Rankin.
Yann Martel’s original manuscript notes for Son of Nobody
These writers have donated rare, one-of-a-kind items signifying their support of the shared belief in PEN International’s mission to protect those who risk their freedom to speak and write the truth. The auction items include:
- Yann Martel’s original manuscript notes for Son of Nobody
- A once-in-a-lifetime video call with Elif Shafak
- The chance to appear as a character in Ali Smith’s next novel
- A signed first edition of The Asking by Jane Hirshfield
- A signed, limited edition of Ian Rankin’s Standing in Another Man’s Grave
- An exclusive, specially designed poster by Anthony Doerr, featuring his original schematics for Cloud Cuckoo Land
Each item offers auction winners a unique connection to the authors they admire while directly strengthening PEN’s work. The auction is open to bidders worldwide.
“I’ve been a member of PEN International’s Writer Circle for many years, and support PEN’s efforts whenever I can. I’m delighted to be able to help raise funds through this special auction,” said Martel
Funds raised through the auction will support PEN International’s global programs through 136 volunteer-led centers in 100 countries. Some work that PEN has done in the last year includes:
- Putting pressure on the Malian government to release Étienne Fakaba Sissoko after one year of detention on trumped up charges in retaliation for his critical writing. Sissoko is free and is seeking asylum in a safer country.
- Advocating for the release of British-Egyptian writer and activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah after almost six years in arbitrary imprisonment. PEN International highlighted his case through international campaigns such as the Day of the Imprisoned Writer 2024.
- Last month, PEN International helped get the propaganda case against Kurdish writer Yavuz Ekinci officially dismissed through generating global media coverage. Ekinci was provided with a PEN Emergency Fund as well as receiving help to secure two short-term residencies with PEN Català and PEN Berlin. PEN’s involvement had a direct, positive impact on Yavuz’s case.