Our annual Freedom to Create Keynote features two distinguished authors: Nobel Prize-winning author and activist Wole Soyinka and author Richard Wiley.

Each year we gather at Alphabet City to honor an international writer or artist who has overcome efforts to limit their creative freedom. This year we honor Nigerian author and playwright Wole Soyinka. Among many accomplishments, Soyinka co-founded the Cities of Asylum movement with Salman Rushdie, Václav Havel, and Jacques Derrida.

Soyinka will read from his 2021 novel Chronicles from the land of the Happiest People on Earth, his first novel in nearly 25 years, as well as discuss the founding of the Cities of Asylum movement alongside author Richard Wiley, and answer audience questions.

Join us for an inspiring afternoon that speaks to the core of our mission to protect and celebrate creative free expression.

Freedom to Create Keynote with Wole Soyinka