An Evening with Gioconda Belli at the Benson

Revered Nicaraguan poet, author, and political activist Gioconda Belli will present
a free public talk, celebrating the recent acquisition of Belli's archives by UT Austin's Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection.

The acclaimed author of nine novels, a memoir, two volumes of essays, nine poetry collections and four children’s books, Belli is the recipient of several major literary prizes over her decades-long career. She also worked as one of the leaders of the Sandinista National Liberation Front, which defeated the regime of Anastasio Somoza Debayle in the Nicaraguan Revolution of 1979. 

In February 2023, Belli's vocal criticism of the current regime in Nicaragua led to her second exile. Along with 93 other Nicaraguans, she was forcibly expelled, stripped of her citizenship, and declared a traitor to her country. At this event, she will speak about her trajectory as a writer and her exile from the homeland she loves.

The event is free and open to the public. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.