ACT Chief Minister
Andrew Barr
Welcome to the Canberra Writers Festival 2019. The ACT Government is again proud to support this event. It has been wholeheartedly embraced by Canberrans and people in the region and, after just four years, is a keenly anticipated fixture on Canberra’s event calendar.
In 2019 the Canberra Writers Festival will feature an exceptional line-up of local, national and international authors for a five-day celebration of all things literature.
Under the theme Power. Politics. Passion. I urge you to join the conversations with acclaimed national and international authors. The 2019 program covers a range of genres and panel discussions that delve into issues past, contemporary and future. A stunning line-up in stunning venues – Australia’s national institutions.
I thank the Foundation Partners, especially The Australian National University, National Museum of Australia, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, the National Portrait Gallery and the National Press Club of Australia.
My thanks also to corporate sponsors the National Press Club of Australia, Audi, National Circuit Network and the National Library of Australia. Thanks to our media partners, The Saturday Paper, RiotACT, The Canberra Times and ABC Radio Canberra for invaluable support.
Finally, I thank the team of trusty volunteers whose work and dedication helps deliver a very special event in our nation’s capital.
Enjoy the Canberra Writers Festival.
Chair
Ian Chubb
I’m delighted to present an excellent program. We are very proud of this year’s festival which draws together a terrific line-up of international and local authors, writers, thinkers and provocateurs, performing in some of Australia’s most iconic and important institutions.
Now in its fourth year, the Canberra Writers Festival has something for everyone, from the lover of fine fiction to those who wish to be entertained by Australia’s leading foodies and non-fiction authors.
And, of course, we have tried to stay true to our mantra of Power. Politics. Passion. Indeed, it is entirely appropriate that here, in the national capital, we should debate some of the complex issues of the day, with vigour and insight, and with occasional good humour.
Our program incorporates 80 discreet events and I hope that you enjoy the chance to hear our line up debate issues as diverse as the future of the Catholic church, the state of our sporting ‘discourse’, the vexed issue of media power, and the decline in trust in our established institutions.
Last year’s festival set new heights, and this year’s will be equally fabulous. That is due, in part, to our generous partners and sponsors. We also rely on a fantastic group of volunteers and interns who provide much needed support to our small and passionate festival team.
Thank you for participating in the Canberra Writers Festival. I trust you get a decent dose of literary heaven over the festival days. Welcome!
Festival Director
Paul Donohoe
In an age where digital is the norm, it’s quite beguiling that a book in hand remains one of life’s joys. Reading a book is not, as we long feared, a fading trend. Indeed, this simple, age-old past-time is rejuvenated.
Gone are our cassettes, CDs and DVDs – but not our books. Despite the trend for digital and streaming, the success of writers’ festivals nationally and internationally proves our unwavering curiosity and thirst for conversation, discussion and debate.
I welcome you to the 2019 and 4th Canberra Writers Festival. I can promise an open, vibrant, unpredictable, challenging and ultimately satisfying event.
My thanks to the dedicated team, particularly our newly appointed artistic director Michaela Bolzan, with support from creative contributors Steve Lewis and Jeanne Ryckmans, the program sings.
Thanks to our valued partners and sponsors who make this event possible.
And to our treasured patrons, a huge thanks. Your devotion is second to none. This event is for you. Your loyalty has taken the Canberra Writers Festival from strength to strength each year. We had 22 sell-out sessions in 2018. Your enthusiasm and commitment mean we’re bound to surpass that in 2019.
Finally, my thanks to the Board for their wisdom and guidance that has steered us to a world-class writers’ festival for all.
Artistic Director
Michaela Bolzan
I have loved, participated in and programmed festivals for over 30 years. Bringing a community together in a celebration and exploration of literature and ideas is an immense joy. The 2019 Canberra Writers Festival will explore, debate and contemplate life in contemporary Australia, but also look to the past and the future.
The festival will showcase the work of more than 160 talented local, national and international authors, facilitated by Australia’s leading journalists and commentators. Through the examination of books and their authors, the festival will contest ideas, challenge our understanding, change our perspective, inspire action, delight and entertain. But most of all I hope it reminds us why we love to read.
From beginning to end, the festival features Australia’s finest. The opening dinner has Australia’s favourite foodie, chef, educator and best-selling author of 17 books, Stephanie Alexander. Stephanie will delve into our love of food, while guests feast from her specially prepared menu. Girls Night In – The Full Catastrophe wraps up the festival with an all-female powerhouse attempting group therapy. The in between is equally promising. The festival looks back and forward and explores topics of our time through the perennial theme Power. Politics. Passion. The theme offers wide scope – patriotism, plastic, mathematics, media, murder, meat, the bush, the brain, history, romance and so much more, plus a generous dose of politics. We aim for diversity and appeal to many, in one way or another, including junior readers.