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Where are They Now? Checking in with Glory of the Senses High School Essay Contest Winners

Posted on March 8, 2024 by unesco-ic

To continue Paul Engle’s tradition of inspiring writers and celebrating the rich culture of Iowa, the City of Literature organization annually solicits essays from Iowa high school sophomore about an “Iowa […]

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Thank You for a Fantastic One Book Two Book

Posted on March 6, 2024 by unesco-ic

One Book Two Book, our annual celebration of Children’s Literature in the City of Literature, was a tremendous success! Hundreds of young readers and writers enjoyed two days of books, […]

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Top student writers honored at One Book Two Book festival, Feb. 24-25

Posted on February 7, 2024 by unesco-ic

The Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature organization’s annual One Book Two Book Children’s Literature Festival will recognize the creative excellence of 26 area students as part of this year’s […]

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Poetry in Public 2024

Posted on January 25, 2024 by unesco-ic

Submissions are now open for Poetry in Public 2024! Poetry in Public celebrates our community’s rich literary tradition and local writing talent by displaying poems by writers of all ages. […]

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MANCHESTER WINS SLAMOVISION 2023

Posted on December 7, 2023 by unesco-ic

Manchester’s Esther Koch winner of Slamovision 2023, against the finest spoken word artists across the UNESCO Cities of Literature network. Iowa City’s Caleb “The Negro Artist” Rainy finished in 7th […]

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Cities of Literature to shine a light on SDGs with 17-day campaign

Posted on November 30, 2023 by unesco-ic

As the do annually, several UNESCO Cities of Literature will raise awareness about the United Nations’ 2030 Strategic Development Goals with the social media campaign, “17 Books for the 17 […]

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UNESCO names 11 new Cities of Literature to network

Posted on November 1, 2023 by unesco-ic

UNESCO has announced the designation of 55 new members across seven artforms to join its Creative Cities Network, for a total of 350 Creative Cities from more than 100 countries […]

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Joan Naviyuk Kane named 2023 Paul Engle Prize winner

Posted on September 28, 2023 by unesco-ic
Joan Naviyuk Kane

Joan Naviyuk Kane has been named the 12th recipient of the Paul Engle Prize, presented by the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature organization. The prize, established in 2011, honors […]

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An open letter in response to Iowa Senate File 496

Posted on September 14, 2023 by unesco-ic

The City of Literature board has issued this letter in response to Iowa Senate File 496 and its impact on access to books and materials in schools. Other organizations also […]

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Iowa City to host part of global SlamoVision poetry competition

Posted on September 11, 2023 by unesco-ic

Slam poets from around Iowa are invited to participate in a special international slam event in Iowa City on Oct. 2. SlamoVision is a project of the international UNESCO Cities […]

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Recent Posts

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Our Mission

To build and support diverse communities of writers and audiences through the transformative power of story.

Our Vision

We lead by inclusion and collaboration, celebrating the emotions, discovery and connections inspired by the written word in all its forms.

Our Values

• Collaboration: we engage in complementary and cooperative work.
• Community: we foster inclusive engagement to create connection locally and globally.
• Creativity: we seek, engage, and support innovation.

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