About the Palestine Writes Festival

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Palestine Writes Literature Festival stands as the sole North American event exclusively spotlighting Palestinians' literary and artistic contributions. The festival was created in response to the widespread marginalization or token representation of Palestinian artists in mainstream literary settings. It aims to amplify voices often drowned out or overlooked.

Uniting Palestinian writers, artists, and scholars from Historic Palestine and its global Diaspora, the festival also brings together individuals from other marginalized communities in the United States. Experts in diverse fields participate in dialogues about art, politics, climate change, human rights, and more. The festival's rich programming includes panel discussions, workshops, musical performances, children's activities, readings, dance, theatre, cooking sessions, and storytelling.

Palestinians are the indigenous inhabitants of a region rich in history and steeped in suffering. The fabric of Palestinian culture, from folklore, poetry, and cuisine to traditional clothing and architecture, was cultivated over several millennia. Palestine Writes serves as a sacred space where the richness of this indigenous heritage is cherished and shared at a time when concerted political efforts continue to negate or erase Palestinian identity and history.

The inaugural festival in 2020 was hailed as a landmark event that celebrated the formidable artistic and literary prowess of Palestinians and their allies. Echoing the words of iconic Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish, the festival is a testament that Palestinians "have the right to smell autumn's fragrances and ask the night for a dream."

In essence, Palestine Writes is not merely a festival; it's a potent act of cultural preservation and a bridge connecting Palestine with the world. The festival resists erasure and fosters global solidarity through art and dialogue, ensuring the Palestinian narrative remains vivid in global literature and art.

The 2023 event is sold out. Attendance is 3000-5000 per year. #PalestineWrites