For nearly 150 years, the reading and discussion of literature has lived at the center of Chautauqua Institution’s mission of lifelong learning, engaging participants in the social and political issues of our time. Steeped in this history, Chautauqua Literary Arts convenes readers and writers of all ages in community, conversation, intensive craft development, and exploratory learning opportunities. While most of our programs unfold during the nine-week summer season each year, there are a variety of ways readers and writers can join us, including scholarships and a pre-season Writers’ Festival each June. Explore it all below!
Readers
Our 140-year-old lifelong reading program is the centerpiece of our ongoing work to convene readers of all ages in conversation, community and learning through literature.
Writers
From weekly summer workshops at the Chautauqua Writers’ Center to a socially engaged Writers’ Festival, we offer uniquely stimulating opportunities to grow your writing practice — or initiate one.
Prizes
We celebrate contemporary literature every year through The Chautauqua Prize and The Chautauqua Janus Prize, honoring extraordinary new books and emerging writers respectively.
Community
Learn more about the literary resources we offer our neighbors all year — as well as the lively community-run organizations that support and supplement our summer programs.
Youth
Lifelong reading and writing begin early at Chautauqua, from child- and teen-centered summer programs to local school partnerships like Battle of the Books and the Poetry Makerspace.
