IALA is Headed to AWP 2025!
The International Armenian Literary Alliance is proud to announce its participation in this year’s AWP Conference & Bookfair, one of the largest literary gatherings in North America. IALA will host two engaging panel discussions featuring esteemed writers, editors, and literary professionals, as well as a special offsite event designed to foster deeper community connections among writers and industry leaders.
Additionally, IALA will share an exhibit space with Anamot Press at the AWP Bookfair, offering attendees the opportunity to learn more about both organizations, explore their latest literary initiatives, and connect with representatives. The shared space will serve as a hub for networking, access to exclusive literary resources, as well as an opportunity to purchase signed books.
Featured Panel Discussions
We Are Still Here: A Reading for Palestinian & Armenian Solidarity
Date & Time: Friday, March 28, 2025 | 1:45 PM – 3:00 PM PDT
Location: Room 501ABC, Level Two; Los Angeles Convention Center
This multigenre reading, presented by IALA, brings together writers of Palestinian and Armenian descent whose works in prose, poetry, and nonfiction examine culture and heritage in the diaspora. In the face of ongoing campaigns of silencing by colonialist and fascist governments, this panel highlights the resilience of these communities and the power of literature as an act of resistance and survival.
Participants:
- Gina Srmabekian, Moderator/Speaker
- Nancy Agabian, Speaker
- Mai Serhan, Speaker
- Priscilla Wathington, Speaker
- Raffi Wartanian, Speaker
Behind the Acronym: Empowering Ethnic Voices – Launching a Literary Non-Profit
Date & Time: Saturday, March 29, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM PST
Location: Room 515A, Level Two; Los Angeles Convention Center
This discussion brings together arts administrators from the International Armenian Literary Alliance and Mizna to explore the role of literary nonprofits dedicated to specific ethnic communities. Panelists will discuss the importance of visibility, diversity, and the practicalities of launching and maintaining a successful nonprofit in the literary world.
Organizer: Jen Siraganian
Participants:
- Shahé Mankerian, Moderator/Speaker
- Ellina Kevorkian, Speaker
- Arthur Kayzakian, Speaker
IALA’s Exclusive Offsite Event
Gata & Gartal: A Taste of Armenian Literature
Following the AWP 2025 conference, the IALA Los Angeles Chapter will host a special offsite event on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Lark Musical Society in Los Angeles. Open to all, this evening of literature, community, and conversation will feature powerful readings from talented IALA members. Learn more and register.
AWP 2025 will take place from March 26-29, 2025 in the Los Angeles Convention Center, drawing thousands of writers, educators, and literary professionals from across the world. IALA’s participation reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting and amplifying diverse literary voices.
For more information about IALA’s panels, offsite event, or shared exhibit space with Anamot Press, please contact: info@armenianliterary.org