Special event — Raising Our Voices

Ticket Info:
Raising Our Voices: 2023 PEN Canada Awards & Readings in Solidarity with Persecuted Writers

Saturday, September 23 at 4:30 – 5:30 pm ET
Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay West
Get your tickets here

PEN Canada is proud to partner with the Toronto International Festival of Authors to celebrate its four annual awards and draw attention to writers across the world who are imprisoned or imperiled because of their written work. Each PEN Canada award will be followed by a short reading from a persecuted writer, read in solidarity by acclaimed writers from Canada and beyond.

PEN Canada envisions a world where writers are free to write, readers are free to read, and freedom of expression prevails. It promotes literature, fights censorship, helps free persecuted writers from prison, and assists exiled writers who live in Canada.

This event is hosted by Garvia Bailey.

Ken Filkow Prize
Recognizes an individual or group who has advanced freedom of expression in Canada. Especially when it involved putting their own personal interests on the line.

RBC/PEN Canada New Voices Award
Promotes and encourages new talent across all writing disciplines.

Marie-Ange Garrigue Prize
Recognizes a Canadian who has provided significant help to a writer or journalist outside Canada who has faced threats, violence, harassment, or imprisonment for reporting or commenting on issues of public interest.

One Humanity Award
Recognizes an international writer whose work transcends the boundaries of national divides and inspires connections across cultures.