Key Takeaways:
- The Adelaide Writers’ Week 2026 has been cancelled due to the withdrawal of over 180 authors and speakers in protest of the disinvitation of Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah.
- The festival board initially disinvited Abdel-Fattah citing "cultural sensitivities" after an attack on the Jewish community in Bondi, but later apologized for how the decision was represented.
- The cancellation of the event has significant financial implications for the state of South Australia, which relies heavily on the festival for tourism and revenue.
- A new board has been appointed to oversee the Adelaide Festival, with a focus on ensuring a successful event that safeguards the state’s cultural legacy.
- The controversy has sparked a debate about freedom of expression and the role of government in determining who can speak at public events.
Introduction to the Controversy
The Adelaide Writers’ Week 2026 has been cancelled after a tumultuous few days, marked by the withdrawal of over 180 authors and speakers in protest of the disinvitation of Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah. The festival board’s decision to disinvite Abdel-Fattah, citing "cultural sensitivities" after an attack on the Jewish community in Bondi, sparked widespread outrage and criticism from the literary community. The board’s subsequent apology for how the decision was represented was seen as insufficient by many, and the event’s cancellation was ultimately deemed necessary due to the mass exodus of participants.
The Festival Board’s Decision
The Adelaide festival board’s decision to disinvite Abdel-Fattah was met with widespread criticism, with many accusing the board of censorship and racism. The board’s statement, which cited "cultural sensitivities" as the reason for the disinvitation, was seen as a thinly veiled attempt to silence Abdel-Fattah’s views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The board’s later apology, which acknowledged that the decision had caused "distress" and "division", was seen as insufficient by many, and did little to quell the controversy. Abdel-Fattah herself rejected the apology, accusing the board of being "disingenuous" and saying that the decision had "added insult to injury".
The Response from the Literary Community
The response from the literary community was swift and decisive, with over 180 authors and speakers withdrawing from the event in protest of the disinvitation. The AWW director, Louise Adler, announced her resignation, stating that she could not be party to silencing writers. Many other prominent authors and speakers, including Zadie Smith and Jonathan Coe, also withdrew from the event, citing their support for Abdel-Fattah and their opposition to censorship. The mass exodus of participants made it clear that the event could no longer proceed as scheduled, and the festival board ultimately made the decision to cancel the event.
The Appointment of a New Board
In the aftermath of the cancellation, a new board has been appointed to oversee the Adelaide Festival. The new board, which will be headed by Judy Potter, a former chair of the Adelaide festival board, will focus on ensuring a successful event that safeguards the state’s cultural legacy. The board will also prioritize protecting the hardworking staff who deliver the event, and will work to rebuild trust with the literary community. The appointment of the new board is seen as a positive step towards healing the wounds of the controversy, and towards ensuring that the Adelaide Festival can continue to thrive in the future.
The Financial Implications
The cancellation of the Adelaide Writers’ Week has significant financial implications for the state of South Australia, which relies heavily on the festival for tourism and revenue. The event is a major drawcard for the state, attracting thousands of visitors each year and generating millions of dollars in revenue. The cancellation of the event will likely have a significant impact on local businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and tourism sectors. The state government has announced that refunds will be offered to those who purchased tickets for the event, but the long-term financial implications of the cancellation remain to be seen.
The Broader Implications
The controversy surrounding the Adelaide Writers’ Week has sparked a broader debate about freedom of expression and the role of government in determining who can speak at public events. The issue has highlighted the tension between the need to protect vulnerable communities and the need to ensure that all voices are heard. The controversy has also raised questions about the role of government in shaping cultural events, and the extent to which governments should be involved in determining who can participate in public festivals. As the debate continues, it is clear that the cancellation of the Adelaide Writers’ Week will have far-reaching implications for the literary community, and for the broader cultural landscape of Australia.
