Join us for a joyful collision of art-makers, big thinkers, and storytellers as we kick off the national literary calendar this spring. Photo: Canberra Writers Festival.
Together, we’ll take a thrilling first look at the books and ideas set to lead the cultural discussion in the coming year.
Our vibrant springtime program of master classes, dinners, author talks, panel discussions, workshops, book launches, and performances will be set against the backdrop of some of Australia’s most iconic national institutions.
Tim Winton will launch the festival with a special event, where he will delve into the narrative and thematic depths of his new dystopian novel, Juice, marking a significant departure in his literary journey.
Charlotte Wood and Robbie Arnott will explore the nuanced power of quieter stories in their session, “The Power of Quiet,” a testament to their masterful handling of understated narratives that leave a lasting impact.
Anita Heiss marks a historical milestone at the festival, discussing her new novel Dirrayawadha, set during the pivotal Bathurst Wars, in her session, which is part of a live recording for The Garret literary podcast.
Christos Tsiolkas, James Jiang and Beejay Silcox will lead a fascinating discussion on the vital role of literary criticism in shaping public discourse in their session, “The Case for Critics.”
Melissa Lucashenko joins forces with Nardi Simpson in “Continuity and Connection” discussing themes of creation, belonging, and the narratives that shape our understanding of place and identity.
Markus Zusak shares intimate stories of life with his three chaotic dogs, revealing the profound impact they’ve had on him in “My Life with Dogs”.
Lucia Osborne-Crowley provides an exclusive inside look at the Ghislaine Maxwell trial in her session at the Press Club, discussing her book The Lasting Harm and the broader implications of the trial on global legal practices.
Rick Morton tells the story of robodebt, one of the most shocking, large-scale failures in Australian government history with Michael Williams.
Fred C. Trump III, in a rare public appearance, will delve into his views on the Trump family’s legacy and its impact on American politics, in a session that promises to be both revealing and timely with the US election approaching.
Amy McQuire will engage in a powerful conversation about media representation of Indigenous affairs and the transformative potential of Black journalism in her session “Black Witness.”
Barrie Cassidy will lead a panel exploring the fragility of global democracies in “Democracy on a Precipice,” featuring a lineup of expert political commentators discussing the challenges facing democratic institutions worldwide.
You can find the full Canberra Writers Festival 2024 program here.
The festival proudly supports and celebrates local talent, with nearly half of all participants from Canberra and the surrounding region.
The Details
What: Canberra Writers Festival 2024
When: 23 – 27 October 2024
Where: NFSA, National Museum of Australia, MOAD, ANU, National Press Club, see full list of venues here
Cost: From $22 concession / From $28 adult, tickets available online
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