About us

The first concept of organized activity among Slovene writers dates back to 1872, while since 1968 Slovene writers have been united under the association’s present name. The Slovene Writers’ Association advocates for creative freedom, the best possible status of Slovene books, and the recognition of Slovene writers. Its activities include authors from the entire Slovene cultural space.

With its consistently critical and creative role, the Association has contributed significantly to major changes in Slovenia’s social and cultural landscape. The office of the Slovene Writers’ Association is located in Ljubljana, the capital of the Republic of Slovenia, and produces and carries out important international literary programs as well as programs of public interest for the domestic cultural sphere.

In addition to its production and publishing activities, the Slovene Writers’ Association also serves as an information and literary center. Through its office and expert collaborators, it produces and carries out contemporary programs and top-quality literary festivals of public importance in the field of literature. The Association’s central role is further strengthened by the provision of professional services for both domestic and international contexts.

With its broad range of programs and activities, the Slovene Writers’ Association is the most active organization and the central literary hub in Slovenia. Its role as a key organizer of literary programs of public importance is officially recognized through regular funding by the Slovenian Book Agency.

DSP Partners

International partners of the Slovene Writers’ Association (SWA):

  • Central European Initiative (CEI), Italy
  • Literature Across Frontiers (LAF), United Kingdom
  • Literary centers across Europe
  • Major European literary festivals – including cooperation with the International Literary Festival Vilenica

Important domestic partners of the SWA:

  • Media partners: Primorske Novice and DELO
  • Long-term sponsors and supporters: companies Petrol, Krka, Zavarovalnica Triglav
  • Cankarjev dom Cultural and Congress Centre
  • Publishing houses
  • Public libraries
  • Slovene Association of Literary Translators (DSKP)
  • Vodnik Homestead
  • and other partners

Slovene Book Fair
The SWA also participates in the expert committee of the Slovene Book Fair program. The Slovene Book Fair is an important annual business event for publishers, organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS – Chamber of Book Publishers) together with Cankarjev dom.

The fair takes place every year at the end of November in Ljubljana, attracting large numbers of visitors and publishers. More details about the program can be found at: http://www.knjiznisejem.si/

In cooperation with the fair’s organizers, the SWA awards the professional prize for the best literary debut.

Literary Cycles

The Association of Slovenian Writers, within the framework of the Literary Cycles program, funded by the Public Agency for Books of the Republic of Slovenia, organizes and carries out events that commemorate days significant for writers, books, and culture, while bringing authors and their creativity to the forefront of cultural life and media attention.

Every year, on Slovenian Cultural Holiday, newly admitted members of the Association of Slovenian Writers perform at a literary reading in Cankarjev Dom, which, during these days, “opens its doors” to the public with events for children, youth, and adults alike. Close to this cultural holiday is February 21, International Mother Language Day, which is marked with a literary evening featuring authors from Slovene communities abroad. On March 21, World Poetry Day, poets speak at various literary readings.

In July, the Stritar Award is presented, and in October, the Jenko Award; both awardees, after the announcement and ceremonial presentation, perform at literary gatherings across Slovenia.

Especially vibrant are the literary readings, discussions, and presentations on the Writers’ Stage at the Slovenian Book Fair, held in late November at Cankarjev Dom. On this highly visible stage, we present our programs and projects, highlight novelties from prominent publishers, extend greetings to anniversaries, engage in in-depth discussions on current book-related topics, and participate in the accompanying program of the Slovenian Book Fair.

The year concludes with a discreet tribute to the memory of our deceased members.

The year-round program is interwoven with numerous other literary events, readings, and gatherings.

Funding
The Slovene Writers’ Association is financially supported by:

  • Slovenian Book Agency
  • Creative Europe Program
  • Central European Initiative (CEI)
  • City of Ljubljana