THE MISSION

Founded in 2003, Under the Volcano is an incubator of literary talent, a catalyst for writers with books in progress and a diverse community of writers that transcends borders, languages, time and place.

Now in its seventeenth year, and structured as a non-profit that subsidizes more than half its participants, the program has blossomed into an international literary immersion and residency that attracts accomplished poets, novelists, memoirists, essayists and journalists from Mexico, the US and around the world. Our 2020 season introduces screenwriting with a team of noted directors from Mexico and India.

The goal is always to identify and encourage talented writers, whether published or unpublished, advanced or emerging. Increasingly, thanks to our growing body of committed alumni, the program’s reach extends beyond our village through events that take our readings and conversations home to places such as Mexico City, San Francisco, London or New York.