What's on

Julia Baird: Bright Shining

23 May 2024 Hear from broadcaster and Phosphorescence author Julia Baird, whose latest book, Bright Shining, is a beautiful, timely exploration of that most mysterious but necessary human quality: grace. With Jacqueline Maley.
This session has an AUSLAN interpreter.

Sydney Writers' Festival 2024

23 May 2024 23 May 2024 23 May 2024 23 May 2024 23 May 2024 24 May 2024 24 May 2024 24 May 2024 24 May 2024 24 May 2024 25 May 2024 25 May 2024 25 May 2024 25 May 2024 25 May 2024 25 May 2024 26 May 2024 26 May 2024 26 May 2024 26 May 2024 One of Australia’s best-loved forums for literature, ideas and storytelling, Sydney Writers’ Festival returns to Port Macquarie in 2024.
Full program announced!

19 more dates

Viet Thanh Nguyen: A Man of Two Faces

23 May 2024 Hear celebrated author Viet Thanh Nguyen, hailed as “a conscience of American literature” (The New Yorker), discuss his new work with writer and broadcaster Benjamin Law.

Suzie Miller: Prima Facie

23 May 2024 Put the courts on trial with lawyer turned Olivier Award–winning playwright Suzie Miller as she discusses novelising her theatrical triumph that tackles sexual assault. In conversation with Nicole Abadee.

Julian Borger: I Seek a Kind Person

23 May 2024 “I seek a kind person who will educate my intelligent boy, aged 11.” An extraordinary 1938 personal advertisement that started Julian Borger’s quest into his father’s past and the story of Holocaust survival. With Michaela Kalowski.

Fantastical Worlds

23 May 2024 Imagine another world with popular fantasy authors Garth Nix (The Old Kingdom series), Shelley Parker-Chan (The Radiant Emperor duology) and Samantha Shannon (The Roots of Chaos series). Hosted by Aimée Lindorff.

A.C. Grayling: The Meaning of Life in a Technological Age

24 May 2024 The quest for a life worth living has been the business of philosophers for millennia. How can we pursue answers to life’s big questions in an increasingly unstable technological age? Join pre-eminent philosopher A.C. Grayling for this special talk.

The War on Journalists

24 May 2024 With conflict continuing in Ukraine, and the death toll of journalists in Gaza reaching alarming proportions, we look at the role of journalists in war. Featuring Julian Borger, John Lyons, Alisa Sopova and Anastasia Taylor-Lind. Hosted by Hamish Macdonald.

Abdulrazak Gurnah: Afterlives

24 May 2024 Explore his writing and unpack the legacies of empire with acclaimed writer Abdulrazak Gurnah, whose 10th novel explores displacement, loss and love during and after German occupation of East Africa. With Sisonke Msimang.

Feminist Firebrands

24 May 2024 Four waves in, the feminist fight for gender equality is far from over. Writers and activists Hannah Ferguson, Sisonke Msimang and Jennifer Robinson discuss the most pressing issues facing women today with host Jo Dyer.

5km From the Frontline

24 May 2024 Hear from journalist Alisa Sopova and photographer Anastasia Taylor-Lind, whose extraordinary documentary photography series offers a unique, personal and deeply affecting look at the Ukraine war. With ABC RN’s Hamish Macdonald.

Celeste Ng: Our Missing Hearts

25 May 2024 Sit down with New York Times bestselling author Celeste Ng, whose smash hit Little Fires Everywhere was adapted into a miniseries starring Reese Witherspoon. Listen in as she discusses her new dystopian novel with Claire Nichols.

Trent Dalton: From Eli to Lola

25 May 2024 Trent Dalton, award-winning author of Boy Swallows Universe (now a hit Netflix series) returns with Lola in the Mirror, a big, beautiful novel about grappling with our past, present and possible futures. In conversation with Cassie McCullagh.
This session has an AUSLAN interpreter.

Storytellers: Leigh Sales and Lisa Millar

25 May 2024 ABC legends Leigh Sales (Storytellers) and Lisa Millar (Muster Dogs) unpack the craft of turning real life events into narrative, drawing from their recent books and a combined 65 years in journalism.

Katy Hessel: The Story of Art Without Men

25 May 2024 Overturn art history as you know it with art historian and curator Katy Hessel – creator of popular podcast and Instagram account The Great Women Artists – in conversation with curator Beatrice Gralton.