What an end of an era. So much magic happened in this place.

Sorry to hear this news about Freeword. Have attended many memorable events and meetings here, forever associated in my memory with Becky Swift and a hopeful and inspirational writing & artistic community.

Really sad news. I think it's fair to say I wouldn't have ended up with published literary translations without this place. Years of going down on the train for events, hovering nervously, soaking up so much knowledge. It was there I was first added to the ETN network, too.

Incredibly sad news from Free Word. I am so proud to have been part of it, and that The Literary Consultancy was a founding resident. So much was made possible for us and our writing commuinity thanks to the constant support and innovative thinking of FW. Thoughts with all the brilliant staff team

#APNews: Free Word, a National Portfolio Organisation for the past decade, will close its doors at the end of the month, leaving a gap in support for writers, artists and activists bit.ly/3hRCPrk Free Word

"Free Word leaves behind a rich artistic legacy and any surplus funds will be distributed in accordance with Free Word’s charitable objectives", Free Word announces its closure following news last month of it losing its venue: bit.ly/3bTMA4f

One of my proudest achievements was working as first General manager for Free Word. I met so many amazing people who changed my view of the world forever. Its legacy will live on in all of us, and we mustn't forget its mission of literature, literacy and free speech for all

This is so gutting, so sad. Free Word was my workplace for 7 years and pivotal in making me feel at home when I moved to London. I’ve made some amazing friends because of FW. A place of magic. Thank you for the brilliant work, the generosity of spirit, nurturing of talent.

Very sad news. One of those places you thought wd always be there. It was at Free Word that I first started doing public translation events as part of the groundbreaking residency there, which enriched & broadened my career immeasurably & led to some great collabs & friendships

Very sad to say goodbye to Free Word this week. Hope its legacy lives on and we all continue our collaboration & partnership with its community on issues of #freespeech #literature and #literacy. Huge thanks to all its amazing staff over the last 12 years!

Such sad news from the Free Word. Sending love to all the team there, and immense gratitude for all the incredible work they have done over the years

Perhaps the *real* Free Word was the friends we made along the way?

Sad news from a magical place where I took my first steps into human rights work, celebrated our Tales of Two Londons book launch, met extraordinary writers & campaigners and, on a trivial note, joined the bathroom selfie tradition! Sending love, solidarity, and thanks 💛

Sorry to read this sad news today. Free Word was always a great partner and friend to us, an important and supportive space for brilliant work. Sending very best to all the team.

Such sad news. Thinking of everyone in the Free Word team. Thank you for championing literature and freedom of expression over the past 12 years.

Enjoyed attending events at Free Word, some closely related to literary #translation and attended by many translator colleagues, some not: the Asymptote Journal event, the Literary Translation symposium, Apples and Snakes emerging poets with Jacob Sam-La Rose in January 2020, others.

This is really sad news, and I truly hope all the wonderful work the Free Word did over the years continues to live on. They were so welcoming of creativity, community, and expression. The Free Word was also the space I had my first book launch. You will be missed indeed.

Our community of words is not very large and losing a nexus such as Free Word is a massive loss to us all - past, present & future but it has been such a force for good, i feel we will see it again in some other form 🤞🏼