May 15, 2022 | Free Admission

Literary Festival at the Chicago Cultural Center & American Writers Museum

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE Full Guest Line Up

American Writers Festival

Proof of vaccination and masks are required to enter the American Writers Museum and all event spaces at the Chicago Cultural Center.

The inaugural American Writers Festival on May 15, 2022 in Chicago coincides with the American Writers Museum’s fifth anniversary. The free literary festival will be held at four stages inside the Chicago Cultural Center and one stage at the American Writers Museum, and feature more than 75 beloved contemporary authors, artists and playwrights.

The Festival consists of discussion panels and author signings with leading contemporary writers across various genres, including children’s and young adult fiction, science fiction, history, biographies, poetry, and satire, who will share their insights into their craft. Participating writers will address their perspectives on many of today’s most timely and controversial topics including immigration, book censorship, racism and equality through themes within their literature.

As a special bonus, the AWM will waive museum admission fees on Sunday, May 15 and Monday, May 16 – AWM’s fifth anniversary – to encourage more people to experience the literary works of the greatest American writers.

FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Keeping Our Speakers and Attendees Safe

In light of current health issues around the world, Festival organizers will strive to make this a safe in-person event for all our visitors and participants. With that in mind, proof of vaccination is required and masks must be worn inside the event spaces for the safety of our writer guests. We also have plans in place to move forward no matter what and to shift the focus from in-person to online if and where necessary in any way.

Community Agreement

The American Writers Festival is a community effort that includes our writers, presenters, staff, volunteers, partners and supporters who have created this event. 

We are all responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, welcoming and respectful community free from abuse and harassment of any kind (verbal, physical or sexual). We are not tolerant of racism, discrimination, intimidation or any language or behavior offensive to any member of this community based on their identity, ability or role.

Anyone who experiences individuals not adhering to this community agreement should immediately notify an AWF stage manager or staff member. AWF and the American Writers Museum reserve the right to ask anyone to leave an event for violation of this agreement, and serious violations may result in a permanent ban from our events. 

Thank you for participating fully in the American Writers Festival and for making it possible for others to do so as well. 

Sponsors

Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation

John and Cathie Estey

Malcolm and Virginia O’Hagan

Jane Irwin

Ellen and Don Clark

Catherine Mouly and Ted Carlson

Poetry Foundation

Ivan and Kathy Kane

Joan E. and Robert A. Clifford

Ann Bradley

Patrick O’Hagan and Paula Llaneza

Sally Wood

Shanti Nagarkatti

Robert R. McCormick Foundation

Roberta Rubin

Anonymous

Partners

Seminary Co-op Bookstores/57th Street Books
Seminary Co-op Bookstores/57th Street Books
American Library Association
American Library Association
Chicago Cultural Center
Chicago Cultural Center
Chicago History Museum
Chicago History Museum
Chicago Humanities Festival
Chicago Humanities Festival
Chicago Public Library
Chicago Public Library
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Institute of Museum and Library Services
National Museum of Mexican Art
National Museum of Mexican Art
National Student Poets Program
National Student Poets Program
The Newberry Library
The Newberry Library
The Poetry Foundation
The Poetry Foundation