“Meant to happen” – PEN International backs new Romani writers’ centre
Romani PEN has been formally recognised by PEN International, marking a major step in efforts to build a global platform for Romani authors, poets and translators and to strengthen the visibility of Romani literature and language.
Romani PEN has been launched in Berlin to support Romani authors, poets and translators, following a vote of approval at the global congress of PEN International.
The new transnational platform for Romani writers, first convened last year, has now been officially accepted by the acclaimed international writers’ organisation PEN International. The move follows nearly two years of work by Romani writers and cultural figures, supported by the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC), to establish a space dedicated to Romani literature, language and freedom of expression. Former Travellers Times editor and author Damian Le Bas (The Stopping Places, The Drowned Places) was among those involved in early discussions that helped shape the concept.
"Having our own PEN writers' centre is a huge deal for Romani authors,” says Le Bas. “It will help promote our work and its cultural importance, including work in all dialects of the Romani language. Up and coming writers will be better supported to get published, and established ones will find new ways to branch out. A big part of this is about meeting people and feeling part of something exciting and international.”
Romani PEN will also link into wider work promoting the Romani language, including annual conferences and cultural programmes.
Founding members met first in March 2025 and again in Berlin on International Romani Language Day, 5 November, where they signed the PEN Charter and agreed the Centre’s constitution and working plan.
Twenty‑three writers from fifteen countries are now part of Romani PEN, which aims to strengthen the visibility of Romani literature, support the safeguarding and development of the Romani language, encourage translation and exchange, and defend freedom of expression for Romani voices worldwide.
“Writing can be a lonely business, even more so when it's a very rare job amongst your people,” says Le Bas. “Romani PEN has already started to change this, by bringing writers from different Romani backgrounds into dialogue. And it feels like it was meant to happen, because in our language 'romanipen' means the customs and ways of our culture. PEN International aims to ‘defend literature against the many threats to its survival that the modern world poses’, and Romani literature needs this help too.”
PEN International was founded in 1921 as a group for Poets, Essayists and Novelists, and today includes journalists and writers of all kinds.
The European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC) is a transnational organisation promoting Roma arts, culture and language rights.
Romani PEN is expected to begin formal activities over the coming year as its membership grows and its international network develops.
Mike Doherty for Travellers Times
(Main image: The Romani flag - free licence)