The University of North Dakota (UND) recently held its 56th annual Writers Conference, an event with a strong national reputation for bringing acclaimed authors, artists, and thinkers to Grand Forks each spring. This year, the conference was led by Assistant Professor of English, Patrick Henry, who expressed a deep sense of responsibility in directing the event for the first time. Henry remarked on the significance of maintaining the legacy of past directors like Crystal Alberts.
In 2025, the conference’s theme “Makers & Machines” explored the overlap between technology and art. Henry noted that the inspiration came from the maker movement, highlighting tools like 3D printers and inexpensive computers. He mentioned that the novel “Memory Piece” by visiting author Lisa Ko influenced the conference’s direction by illustrating how art and technology shape communities.
Key speakers included poet and technologist Kenzie Allen, experimental novelist Eugene Lim, and multimedia artist KT Duffy. They discussed the evolving relationship between technology, art, and community under the moderation of UND Associate Professor of Philosophy, Lucian Stone. Duffy emphasized that technology has created new opportunities for creativity and connection, while Allen highlighted the use of technology by Indigenous communities, exemplified by the practice of Wampum.
Lim discussed the role of fiction in a technological era, stating, “Fiction survives by offering interiority,” underscoring literature’s unique role in fostering empathy and connection. Participants from various fields, including law student Abby Peterson and pre-medical student Edward Tortorelli, expressed the value they found in the diverse perspectives presented at the conference.
Community writing workshops, open mics, and evening mixers at the North Dakota Museum of Art complemented the panels and readings. These activities reinforced the conference’s emphasis on public engagement and community participation. Henry noted the high attendance, especially at the extra sessions organized this year.
Casey Fuller, a poet and doctoral student, shared his appreciation for the conference’s impact on the literary community and its history. Fuller stated, “One of the things that draws me to the conference is that it’s a place for a lot of people to sort of join together and talk about people who are doing writing and making art at this moment.”
The 56th UND Writers Conference once again proved its significance as a platform for dialogue and exchange among creators, students, and the broader community.
