When Artists Go to Work: 2024 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award Author Symposium

This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal. - Toni Morrison

Inspired by the profound words of Toni Morrison and the book awards’ foundational principle of tikkun olam, which means “repair of the world” in Hebrew, When Artists Go to Work is a celebration of the written word and its power to transform. The symposium features AWBA authors and jurors engaging in conversations, offering unique insights and perspectives into their work and the legacy of the awards.
SPEAKERS

Teju Cole, Rita Dove, Peter Ho Davies, Connie Hill-Johnson, Maxine Hong Kingston, Nicholas Roman Lewis, Phil Metres, Steven Pinker, Kevin Quinn, and Monica Youn.

11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

“Words and Wisdom”
Celebrating Rita Dove and Steven Pinker

Through the exploration of the human experience and the power of language, Rita Dove and Steven Pinker have a profound legacy in letters. Join us in honoring their work and longstanding service on the Anisfield-Wolf jury. Moderated by Nicholas Roman Lewis

12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

“A Warrior Reflects: Maxine Hong Kingston’s Literary Journey”2024 Lifetime Achievement Winner

An exploration of Maxine Hong Kingston’s profound impact on literature, highlighting her seminal works that reflect on the Chinese American experience and writings that embody her commitment to peace. Moderated by Peter Ho Davies

1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. BREAK

2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

“Poetic Justice: In Conversation with Monica Youn”2024 Poetry Winner

A session dedicated to the transformative power of poetry, featuring Monica Youn’s award-winning work that examines notions of belonging and otherness in American society. Moderated by Phil Metres

3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

“Aftershocks: In Conversation with Teju Cole”2024 Fiction Winner

A conversation with Teju Cole probing the impacts of artistic creation, consumption, and representation on our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Moderated by Kevin Quinn

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The Anisfield-Wolf Book Award is the only juried American book prize focusing on works that address racism and diversity. For more information on our history visit www.anisfield-wolf.org.

General admission is $25.00. Student tickets are $10.00 with a valid student ID.

All proceeds from symposium ticket sales will be donated to Unite Against Book Bans, an initiative of the American Library Association.

The Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards welcomes everyone. If purchasing a ticket presents a financial barrier, please email [email protected] for assistance.

Free parking is available in the Playhouse Square Garages with validation. Validation tickets will be distributed upon exiting the symposium.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The City Club of Cleveland, 1317 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, United States