Connecticut Literary Festival (CT Lit Fest) is dedicated to uniting writers and readers across the state and beyond through inclusive and accessible literary programming, publishing, and advocacy. Since 2019 the Fest has promoted and celebrated nutmeg writers and readers.
Our partner Real Art Ways, is the state’s premier multidisciplinary arts organization. Housed in a former Underwood typewriter factory, RAW’s galleries inspire Fest programming and installations.
Storytelling is an intrinsic part of the human experience. From cave drawings in Lascaux and Chavaux, France that date back nearly 30,000 years to the oral traditions that have shaped cultures for millenia, storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have for communication, connection, and understanding. These early depictions of animals, humans, and other objects weren’t just art—they were stories, connecting generations across time. As we face a world marked by division and uncertainty, the need for stories has never been more urgent.
The organization is dedicated to promoting connectedness among the state’s literary community, ensuring each festival has participants from CT writing communities, universities, and high schools. Writers range in from 18 to 80, from emerging writers to prize-winning authors.
Our vision is a world where all voices—especially those who have been silenced—are heard, valued, and celebrated. We are committed to creating spaces where diverse stories thrive. We aspire to continue the tradition of storytelling, harnessing its power to inspire change, foster connection, and create a more inclusive, empathetic society. We seek to provide a platform where stories from every part of our state can be shared, heard, and celebrated, making space for all.