The Canberra Writers Festival recently announced Australian writer Andra Putnis will come on as its new artistic director. Photo: Canberra Writers Festival.
The nation’s capital will again welcome a collision of art-makers, big thinkers and storytelling this spring at the 2025 Canberra Writers Festival.
Upping the ante for the ninth iteration of its premier literary event, Canberra Writers Festival this week announced a new executive creative team.
Author and speaker Andra Putnis will take on the role of artistic director, joined by local storyteller Qin Qin in the newly created position of artistic associate.
Publishing her first official work was a dream come true for Andra.
The lifelong reader from Canberra showcased her debut book, Stories My Grandmothers Didn’t Tell Me, at the 2024 festival. It landed her the Canberra Critics’ Circle Award in Memoir/History.
Andra said she was excited to build on the festival’s success in support of emerging and established writers – and couldn’t wait to bring fantastic writers and readers from around the nation to Canberra in October.
“Canberrans crave great conversations – about the gravity of the times, what’s happening in the world and in our backyard,” she said.
“I want to curate a program that engages with the serious issues we need to discuss in the national capital, but also make plenty of room for the joyful, the quirky and the fun – celebrating why we love books, great writing and the magic of storytelling.
“Books can transport us to new places and just give us a break from the world as we know it.”
Stories My Grandmothers Didn’t Tell Me is a moving family history in the context of World War II Soviet and German occupations. Image: Andra Putnis, Canberra Writers Festival.
Qin Qin will help deliver the festival’s vision for 2025. Named one of the 40 Under 40: Most Influential Asian Australians, Qin Qin brings a wealth of experience in storytelling, culture and engagement.
Festival CEO Travis Green said Andra and Qin Qin brought fresh energy, diverse perspectives and a commitment to deepening the festival’s reach.
“We are excited to see them shape the 2025 program and beyond,” he said.
“Their ties to Canberra’s literary community and passion for storytelling make them an ideal choice to lead the festival into its next chapter.
“The Canberra Writers Festival continues to be a platform for great conversations, fostering ideas and showcasing Australia’s literary talent. With its new leadership team in place, the 2025 festival is set to be one of the most dynamic and engaging yet.”
Festival chair Jane O’Dwyer said the board was delighted to have two outstanding Canberrans in the creative team.
“We welcome them both and are looking forward to a wonderful 2025 festival that brings together Canberrans and visitors to a celebration of books, writing and imagination that has something for everyone.”
The Canberra Writers Festival will span five event-packed days, starting on Wednesday 22 October until Sunday 26 October.
The program promises to bring new releases, exciting talent and a wealth of opportunity for writing, reading and literature enthusiasts across the capital.
For more information, visit Canberra Writers Festival.
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