Chautauqua Literary Arts
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!
Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle
Reading together since 1878, the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle has remained a leader in adult education through quality programming. Each summer, the CLSC chooses nine books of literary quality and invites the authors to Chautauqua present their work to an audience of approximately 1,000 readers.
Chautauqua Writers’ Center
The Chautauqua Writers’ Center is a lively community of writers at all levels of development who cultivate the craft and vision necessary to grow as artists under the tutelage of highly-accomplished writers-in-residence.
Kwame Alexander Writers’ Lab & Conference
The 2025 Kwame Alexander Writers’ Lab & Conference will take place over three days (Thursday to Saturday) in the fall of 2025 in Washington, D.C., hosted by Chautauqua Institution and local partners American University and Mahogany Books.
The Chautauqua Prize
The Chautauqua Prize is a national prize that celebrates a book of fiction or literary/narrative nonfiction that provides a richly rewarding reading experience and honors the author for a significant contribution to the literary arts.
The Chautauqua Janus Prize
The Chautauqua Janus Prize celebrates an emerging writer’s single work of short fiction or nonfiction for daring formal and aesthetic innovations that upset and reorder readers’ imaginations.
Chautauqua Anthology
Chautauqua Literary Arts is pleased to announce an exciting transition for the Chautauqua journal, which will see its final publication this summer in its current form and will be reconstructed and rejuvenated as the Chautauqua Anthology, co-edited by Kwame Alexander and Jill Gerard.
Young Readers Program
The CLSC Young Readers Program encourages the enjoyment of good reading. The books have been chosen for their quality, the variety of styles and subjects, and their appeal to young adult readers.
Battle of the Books
Battle of the Books gets Chautauqua County fifth-graders excited about reading. A lively academic competition, Battle of the Books improves reading comprehension, builds vocabulary, and teaches teamwork and good sportsmanship.
Poetry Makerspace
Throughout the summer season, any visitor can flex their creative muscles and make a poem in the Traveling Stanzas interactive exhibit, part of an exciting new partnership with Kent State University’s Wick Poetry Center.
Community
CLSC Alumni Association
The Alumni Association of the CLSC was incorporated in 1893 to provide an organization that encourages CLSC graduates to continue reading and study.
Friends of the Chautauqua Writers’ Center
Friends of the Chautauqua Writers’ Center is a volunteer network of writers and readers who work year-round in support of Chautauqua Literary Arts.