Asia and Pacific Writers Network

An initiative of the Melbourne PEN Centre, supported by the Australian PEN Centres in partnership with the Asialink.
Supported by the Myer Foundation.

Melbourne PEN Centre, supported by the Australian PEN Centres, in partnership with the Asialink Literature Program, is researching and developing an Asia and Pacific Writers Network, as a functioning self-sustaining network of individuals, organizations and institutions. As a PEN initiative we aim to promote friendship and intellectual co-operation among writers everywhere, to fight for freedom of speech, work for good understanding and respect between nations and to champion the ideal of one humanity living in peace in one world.

The Asia and Pacific Writers Network aims to:
* Extend the network of writers, individuals and organizations that work with language and stories, in all their forms;
* Increase understanding of, and dialogue about, the current issues, writing and cultures in the region;
* Further the aims of PEN;
* Support each other in the promotion and preservation of the regions literatures.
* Share and develop strategies and methods of contending with the issues, obstacles, and difficulties that face writers and their communities
* Provide opportunities for Network members to develop joint projects
* Facilitate greater public awareness of writing and issues of the region.

This will occur in 3 stages:
Stage 1: Network the Networks - create a database accessible to all participants
Stage 2: Communicate - develop the most accessible system for participants to communicate
Stage 3: Conference/s - opportunities to meet, share, discuss, face to face. We need your input and participation to create the network.

Currently we are seeking writers, academics, or organizations that are interested in participating in the Network. We are establishing a database that will be accessible to all participants, and we need your permission for you to be included. If you are interested in participating in the Network, please contact us. We would also appreciate if you would promote the Network via your contacts and networks.

We have established an email discussion list. You can subscribe, by emailing: apwn-subscribe@smartgroups.com

We are aware that many people do not have internet access, so we will also create a mail-based system, which will include a newsletter, and when you send in your comments, suggestions, ideas, etc, these will be added to the email discussion. Once the communication systems have been established we will further develop the aims of the network, and facilitate discussion on pertinent issues and strategies. The long term aim is for the Network to meet, in a biennial Conference.

Please contact us with your following details: Name; writer/academic; organization (if applicable); contact details; country; website (if applicable). You may also like to add what issues and topics you would like to see discussed. If you do not have internet access, what the best mode of communication is. Eg fax, post etc

For more information contact:
Ms berni m janssen, AWPN Project Manager
bmj@net2000.com.au

The Asialink Centre
The University of Melbourne
Parkville. Victoria 3010 Australia
Ph: 61 3 8344 4800
Fax: 61 3 9347 1768