International Writing Program

A "United Nations of Writers," IWP connects writers around the world through writing & cultural exchange. More at

[International Writing Program @UIIWP]

Today is #1DayForIowa, @uiowa's annual online giving day and celebration, and the IWP needs your help! Our recent loss of State Department funding makes every donation especially important. You can donate at https://t.co/MTPLt4FKr6!

[International Writing Program @UIIWP]

We did it! More than $5,000 raised. Thanks so much to everyone who supported the IWP for #1DayForIowa!

[International Writing Program @UIIWP]

Today is #1DayForIowa, @uiowa's annual online giving day and celebration, and the IWP needs your help! Our recent loss of State Department funding makes every donation especially important. You can donate at https://t.co/MTPLt4FKr6!

[International Writing Program @UIIWP]

We're so close to reaching $5,000 and 60 donors!

[BRITTLE PAPER @brittlepaper]

The U.S. State Department has cut nearly $1M in funding to @UIIWP, a globally renowned program fostering literary exchange since 1967

This blow threatens IWP’s Fall Residency, youth programs, and mentorships that have uplifted writers from 160+ countries
https://t.co/80tCyYiOYp

[انجمن ادبی سوزن طلایی @sozantallaye]

We celebrated Nowruz at the Golden Needle Literary Association.
@QaderiHomeira
@CLMerrill
@UIIWP

[Garth Greenwell @GarthGreenwell]

I wrote about the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa, which was a crucial part of my literary education. It’s now fighting for its future after losing its funding last week. Free post; no paywall.

Link in profile.

[Lisa Allen-Agostini @AllenAgostini]

Please support the @UIIWP if you can; US gov funding has been withdrawn. I would not have been able to participate without it; I'm saddened to think about the other writers who might never get that chance now. Read more here: https://t.co/Ppy10423Dk

[Garth Greenwell @GarthGreenwell]

Last week, the State Department cut funding for the International Writing Program, which brings writers from around the world to Iowa City. I wrote about why the IWP is precious, & how crucial it was for my education as a writer.

Free post; no paywall. Link in profile.

[International Writing Program @UIIWP]

A memorial fund has been established in her honor: https://t.co/lwexzHYRaK

[International Writing Program @UIIWP]

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Shelly J. Criswell’s passing. Shelly was in her home, surrounded by her family, when she died on Saturday, March 8, after a prolonged battle with cancer.

[International Writing Program @UIIWP]

The staff of the International Writing Program mourn Shelly, whose years of service on behalf of writers and readers around the world as Fall Residency coordinator (2020–2025) were deeply impactful on the program’s participants and their extended communities.

[Christopher Merrill @CLMerrill]

What the end of @ECAatState funding of @UIIWP means for writers in Asia: https://t.co/VvQJ3OLjz5

[Corey Campbell @CoreyECampbell]

Shocking and heartbreaking

[Christopher Merrill @CLMerrill]

The end of an era...
https://t.co/NXi2Idwd2u

[Barbara Clark 🚫 👑 @spiritedstrider]

This is terrible!

[International Writing Program @UIIWP]

To support the IWP as we begin to rebuild, please visit this website: https://t.co/HXImWDdH5x

[International Writing Program @UIIWP]

🧵 Dear Friends: We write today with a difficult update. On Wednesday, Feb. 26, the International Writing Program (IWP) learned that its grants with the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, were being terminated.

[International Writing Program @UIIWP]

Despite this disappointing turn of events, the IWP’s mission to promote mutual understanding through creative writing and literature remains unchanged; with the help of a limited number of partners, we will still hold a 2025 Fall Residency while pursuing new sources of funding.