DREAMing Out Loud Grant

DREAMing Out Loud is a tuition-free creative writing workshop series by PEN America for immigrant writers. It offers vital community support, empowering participants to craft original works while amplifying marginalized voices. With workshops led by established writers, participants receive stipends, access to publishing resources, and opportunities to perform their work. This initiative aims to counter anti-immigrant sentiment and ensure that diverse stories are included in the literary canon, fostering an inclusive artistic community.

About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide.
PEN America works to ensure that people everywhere have the freedom to create literature, to convey information and ideas, to express their views, and to access the views, ideas, and literatures of others.
DREAMing Out Loud is a paid, tuition-free creative writing workshop series for migrant writers. We welcome writers from all immigrant communities and backgrounds, both citizens and non-citizens. By providing community and professional support to the next generation of immigrant writers, the program seeks to counter anti-immigrant sentiment in the U.S. and to amplify the voices of many living in this country who are marginalized because of their immigration status.
In workshops led by established writers from immigrant backgrounds, 40 participants are provided a modest stipend to develop original fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and plays to perform at public readings and to publish in various print and digital formats, including our annual anthology. The program also helps build a pipeline to publishing and theatre industries in New York City, empowering students to develop their own unique artistic voice and craft to ensure that any future literary canon will include their stories, perspectives, and lived experiences. Participants receive access to resources tailored for immigrant artists, including at least one author-led talkback about writing and publishing each year.

Eligibility

Applicants must identify as an immigrant, reside and/or go to college in New York City, and be 18 years or older to apply. Limited space will be reserved for and DREAMing Out Loud alumni. College graduates are welcome to apply.