Leon Levy Center for Biography

Our origin story The Center fosters meaningful connections between independent and university-affiliated biographers across a range of disciplines. Through fellowships, public events, and scholarly programming, it encourages collaboration and exchange among those engaged in the serious study and creative practice of life writing. By promoting critical conversations about the art and craft of biography – both historically and in contemporary contexts – the Leon Levy Center helps shape the evolving landscape of biographical literature and scholarship today. Established in 2007 through a generous gift from the Leon Levy Foundation, the Leon Levy Center for Biography at the CUNY Graduate Center serves as a vibrant hub for writers, scholars, students, teachers, and readers of biography. It provides a dynamic space where ideas flourish and where the many dimensions of biographical work are actively explored and supported.