Explore the Conference

Now in its sixth decade, LCLC has become one of the premier international conferences in literary and cultural studies — attracting more than 300 participants annually from universities and creative institutions around the world.

Scholars working in English and Spanish are invited to submit proposals on any topic in literature and culture since 1900. The conference also welcomes creative writers, hybrid practitioners and independent scholars. Critical, creative, and critical-creative work all have a home here.

A Conference Like No Other

Since 1973

More than five decades of uninterrupted international scholarly conversation.

300+

Participants, including scholars, writers and practitioners from universities across the globe, every year.

Critical & Creative

One of the few major conferences that welcomes all three modes of practice, including hybrid.

Join the Conversation

About the Conference
Learn about LCLC’s history, mission, and what makes it one of the most distinctive literary conferences in the country.
Registration
Registration details for the next conference will be announced here. Sign up to be notified when they open.
Hotel & Travel
Planning your visit? Louisville is easy to get to and well worth exploring. Find travel info, accommodations, and campus details.
Sponsors & Support
LCLC is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors and the University of Louisville. Learn how to get involved.

Voices That Have Shaped the Field

Over more than fifty conferences, LCLC has welcomed some of the most celebrated and influential voices in contemporary literature, criticism, and cultural studies. Past keynote speakers include:

  • Jennifer Egan
  • Colson Whitehead
  • Fred Moten
  • Juliana Spahr
  • Sianne Ngai
  • Jack Halberstam
  • Douglas Kearney
  • M. NourbeSe Philip
  • Forrest Gander
  • Johanna Drucker
  • Rodrigo Toscano
  • Mat Johnson
  • Lauren Berlant
  • Merve Emre
  • Coral Bracho
  • Marisa Parham
  • Jean-Michel Rabaté
  • Stephanie Burt
  • Jed Rasula
  • Dominic Pettman
  • Anna Kornbluh
  • ...and many more

Invest in the Future of Literature and Culture

Support the Louisville Conference on Literature and Culture and help sustain a vital space for literary and cultural exchange. Your gift funds keynote speakers, interdisciplinary programming and keeping the LCLC thriving in Louisville and beyond.