About Us
The Canberra Writers Festival acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the ACT and our region, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples. They are the original storytellers of this place and we respect their continuing culture and contribution to the life of Canberra and this region.
Our Story
Founded in 2016, the Canberra Writers Festival is a much loved celebration of the written word that brings diverse writers and thinkers together with audiences. The festival’s lively program of events includes author talks, panel discussions, book launches, masterclasses, dinners and performances. All set against the backdrop of our iconic national cultural institutions here in Canberra.
We hold out-of-season events through the year as well as a major festival each October featuring local, national and international authors across 65+ events for adults, young people and families. We run a program for Canberra school students and a Kids and Family Day that sits at the heart of our October festival.
The festival deeply values our audiences, writers, publishers, partners and the Canberra local community.
On Open Dialogue and Freedom of Expression
The Canberra Writers Festival exists to celebrate great writing and bring a diversity of authors, thinkers and readers together in conversation.
We seek to foster artistic expression and respectful exchange of ideas. We bring you nation-leading discussions on a wide range of social, political, environmental and economic issues. We also entertain and celebrate the playfulness and wonder of page-turning stories.
We believe great literature and storytelling requires freedom of expression, care and responsibility. The festival is a place for authors to express their views, adhering to anti-discrimination and other relevant Australian laws.
Theme for 2026
10th Anniversary — For the Love of Books
The Canberra Writers Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026! So, it’s fitting this year our theme is For the Love of Books. This is the place for the writing of 2026 that captures the nation. Whether you love literature, politics, history, memoir, crime, sci-fi, romance, poetry, comedy or all of the above — we welcome you.
In a world where many are reading less and screens & scrolls dominate — it’s timely to get behind our authors and applaud great books. With serious intent and bucketloads of fun, we invite booklovers across the nation to come join us.
Our Team
Andra Putnis
Artistic Director
Rhiân Williams
Guest Creative Director, Kids and YA Program
Travis Green
Chief Executive Officer
Board Members
Jane O'Dwyer
Chair
Gregory Andrews
Deputy Chair
Putri Handrianti
Treasurer
Hannah Brown
Secretary
Sunil Badami
Board Member
Frank Bongiorno
Board Member
Alice Grundy
Board Member
Catherine Holmes
Board Member
Stephanie Palmer
Board Member
Tegan Walton
Board Member
General Enquiries
hello@canberrawritersfestival.com.au
(02) 6247 4411
Media Enquiries
media@canberrawritersfestival.com.au
(02) 6247 4412
Send a Message
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