At a glance: International Writers Festival: Translating America
This event listing comprises all events for the 2026 International Writers Festival
September 28, 2026, 5:30 PM to September 29, 2026, 7:30 PM EDT
The 10th anniversary of the Cheuse Center is ongoing and we are excited to bring you our fall programs. The anniversary year coincides with the 250th Anniversary of America’s independence. To mark this landmark year, the Cheuse Center has developed a program on seeing America from the outside in and the inside out.
Drawing together voices from around the world, we have curated a series of events on September 29 around the theme of Translating America (symbolically) in the footsteps of de Tocqueville. Sometimes dated but always relevant, de Tocqueville’s ‘Democracy in America’ is one way of seeing America through one man’s eyes, written in French. But what about other voices, what about other languages, what about other ways of seeing?
August 24 - November 11:
Exhibition: As you were: the art of American veterans and caregivers from the last 25 years of service.
Venue: Gillespie Gallery, First Floor, Art and Design Bldg, 4515 Patriot Circle, Fairfax
Curated by CAP (Ret.) Moira McGuire, former director of healing arts at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. This exhibition features seventeen veteran artists, including a Gold Star spouse and a caregiver, honoring their service through powerful works that reflect sacrifice, resilience, and the ongoing journey after Iraq and Afghanistan. No RSVP needed. Address and hours available online at masonexhibitions.org/visit.
Click on event names to RSVP and for additional event information.
September 28, 2026 - Third Annual Bouquet of Languages Reading at Busboys and Poets in D.C.
A group reading featuring a bouquet of writers and translators, hosted by Anna Deeny. Busboys and Poets, 14th and V St. NW, Langston Room. Books for sale. Doors open at 5:30 with full dinner service.
The following events will be held September 29, 2026:
10:30 a.m.: Another Country: Veteran Artists and Writers in Conversation
A conversation between veterans of the last 25 years, on negotiating the countries of the self, the artist, America and the world. James Baldwin talks about how each of us is our own country in his novel, Another Country. Developing that idea, we bring veteran artists and writers together to discuss their art, the language of their inner countries, and their service as Americans in another country. Featuring veterans Kat Reyes Colvert, Steven Luu, Ben Inks, and moderated by CAP (Ret.) Moira McGuire. The exhibition, ‘As you were’, features art by Steven Luu and CAP Moira McGuire; they will be in conversation with former servicemembers Kat Reyes Colvert and Ben Inks who graduated with MFAs from George Mason.
Noon: Translating America From The Outside In and The Inside Out
A conversation between Carolyn Forché, Fernando Valverde, and Cheuse Spanish writer in residence Marina Pérezagua. Moderated by New York Times bestselling author Eric Weiner.
1:30 p.m.: Kitchen Table Translations Revisited
What can "immigrants, children of immigrants, or people who identify as part of a diaspora" bring "to the task of translation that [is] distinct from the mainstream of literary translation in the United States[?]" Thinking about the space between language, place, and self, Madhu Kaza curated Kitchen Table Translations in 2017 to showcase and explore these voices. Beginning from this perspective, Kaza shares her evolving thoughts on the practice of translation and leads an interactive conversation with beginner translators.
3:00 p.m.: Gestures & Journey(s): History Rushes In
Featuring Nancy Naomi Carlson, Sylvie Kande, and Saaret E. Yoseph. Moderated by Heather Green.
4:30 p.m.: Jeyamohan in Conversation with Leeya Mehta
Presenting B. Jeyamohan’s ‘White Elephant’ and writing about America from afar. One of the greatest living writers today, B Jeyamohan, will be in conversation with Cheuse Director Leeya Mehta. They will discuss Jeyamohan’s philosophy, idealism and the writer in the world. Jeyamohan’s newest book in translation White Elephant (FSG) touches on the geopolitics of famine, colonialism and the ice trade from America to India in the 1800s. This discussion will focus on Jeyamohan’s fiction and his philosophy and idealism—how a literary movement can deepen community and ways of seeing.
Food and refreshment schedule:
9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - Pastries and coffee
Noon to 2 p.m. - Lunch
2:30 to 4:30 p.m. - Cookies and coffee
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. - Reception with music by Roman Kostovski
