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Center for Literary and Creative Arts

The Center for Literary and Creative Arts at Saint Louis University is a place where literature, the visual arts, theatre, music, film and other creative disciplines come together. Building on the long tradition of the St. Louis Literary Award, the center creates programs that encourage collaboration, creativity, and public participation across the university and throughout the St. Louis community.

Author Colson Whitehead signs copies of his book, The Underground Railroad, at a SLU event.

The center's premiere event, the St. Louis Literary Award, brings accomplished and well-known authors to campus for lectures, a craft talk and a Q&A.

What We Do

At its core, the center brings people together — around a book, a performance, a work of art, a question or an idea — and sees what can develop from there.

Our work includes:

  • bringing distinguished writers and artists to Saint Louis University;
  • supporting student writing, art, performance and other creative work;
  • creating shared reading experiences on campus and in area high schools;
  • working with schools, libraries, museums, theatres, arts organizations and other community partners;
  • hosting discussions, workshops, performances, exhibitions, podcasts and public events.

Featured Programs

St. Louis Literary Award

Since 1967, the St. Louis Literary Award has brought many of the world's most accomplished writers to Saint Louis University. The annual visit includes a public award ceremony and an Author Craft Talk devoted to the writer's work and process.

Two people sit on a stage in front of an audience. SLU banners are placed behind them.

The St. Louis Literary Award is among the oldest and most prestigious of literary prizes in the country.

Campus Read

The Campus Read brings the university and the broader community together around a book by the current St. Louis Literary Award recipient, with discussions, presentations, performances and creative responses throughout the academic year.

Your Literary Initiative

The Youth Literary Initiative connects Saint Louis University with area high schools through a shared book, classroom discussion, creative work, and a campus program for participating students and teachers.

Student Competitions

The Undergraduate Writing Award, the 1818 Writing Competition, and the Inspired By Arts Showcase give high school and university students opportunities to share their writing and creative work with audiences beyond the classroom.

CraftTalks at Saint University

CraftTalks features conversations with writers, artists, scholars, educators, performers, and other creative thinkers about the experiences, influences and ideas behind their work.

Get Involved

Attend an event, join the Campus Read, volunteer, collaborate on a project or explore opportunities as a student or community partner. There are many ways to take part in the center's work.

Support the Center

Gifts to the Center for Literary and Creative Arts support programs for students, visiting writers and artists, shared reading, school partnerships, podcasts, public events and new collaborations across the literary and creative arts.

Your Support Makes Possible

  • The St. Louis Literary Award
  • Campus Read
  • Youth Literary Initiative
  • Student internships and experiential learning
  • Community partnerships
  • Public programs throughout the year

Give to the CLCA

Support the Center

For questions about supporting the center or making a designated gift, please contact us.