Tasmanian Writers’ Centre
Saturday 7th June 6-7.30pm in The Founders Room, Salamanca Arts Centre, Hobart.
At a time when advocates for difference and democracy are struggling to be heard, the Tasmanian Writers’ Centre is announcing the launch of its annual Tasmanian PEN Lecture. The lecture will champion the role writers and activists have to play to highlight social justice and the plight of imprisoned writers around the world.
Delivered by award-winning Melbourne writer, Arnold Zable the lecture is titled: The Cry of the Excluded; a writers perspective. It will focus on the art of story, the role of empathy and a call to action for human rights in the 21 century.the role of empathy and a call to act for action human rights in the 21 century.
Director of the Tasmanian Writers Centre, Chris Gallagher, said this annual lecture aims to highlight the role writers have to play in capturing and commenting on social justice issues.
‘Literature and writing have the power to transform lives whether through compelling journalism, personal letters, or inspiring fictional characters. As writers we have a responsibility to give voice to those who are less fortunate and who live in worlds where freedom is not a given,’ Ms Gallagher said.
PEN International was established in England in 1921 to campaign on behalf of persecuted writers and now has centres in more than 101 countries. The lecture is being presented in partnership with Amnesty Tasmania on Saturday 7th June from 6-7.30pm in The Founders Room, Salamanca Arts Centre, Hobart. An entry fee of $10 will be donated to the PEN fund.
