Key Takeaways:
- The Bendigo Writers Festival was embroiled in controversy due to a code of conduct and censorship concerns, leading to a boycott by over 50 authors, academics, and participants.
- La Trobe University, a sponsor of the festival, was criticized for its handling of the situation, with calls for more transparency and accountability.
- The festival will not run next year, but the City of Greater Bendigo has decided to pause and reconsider the event, with plans to return in 2027.
- The controversy has raised questions about the role of sponsors in arts events and the importance of maintaining artistic freedom and independence.
- Apologies have been sought from La Trobe University for its actions, with some calling for greater accountability and recognition of the harm caused.
Introduction to the Controversy
The Bendigo Writers Festival, a key tourism event in the regional city, was marred by controversy this year due to a code of conduct and censorship concerns. The festival’s co-curator and La Trobe University academic, Clare Wright, stated that the university received concerns from a lobby group about Palestinian-Australian writer Randa Abdel-Fattah and "looked to withdraw its support" from the panel featuring her. This decision ultimately led to a boycott by over 50 authors, academics, and participants, resulting in the cancellation of literary sessions and the opening and closing gala events.
The Role of La Trobe University
Professor Wright expressed disappointment with La Trobe University’s handling of the situation, stating that the university should have shown more "moral courage" in dealing with the concerns. The university’s vice-chancellor, Theo Farell, intervened in the situation, deciding against sending a response addressing the concerns that had been drafted by the university and the City of Greater Bendigo. Instead, the Bendigo council sent a code of conduct with a contested definition of antisemitism to all participants, at La Trobe University’s request, just days before the festival. This decision has been widely criticized, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability from the university.
The Impact on the Festival and the Community
The controversy surrounding the festival has had a significant impact on the community, with many authors and participants expressing disappointment and frustration with the handling of the situation. The festival’s cancellation has also had economic implications, with local businesses affected by the loss of tourism revenue. The City of Greater Bendigo has acknowledged its shortcomings and made a decision to pause the festival next year, noting that its processes were "inadequate". An independent review has been conducted, and the council has adopted a resolution recognizing the "unintended consequences" of the code’s content and timing, particularly for Dr. Abdel-Fattah and other affected authors, local businesses, participants, and the community.
Calls for Accountability and Apologies
Dr. Abdel-Fattah has stated that she would "absolutely" come back to the festival again if it was a "safe space", but would have to "think very seriously about the circumstances" if La Trobe University were a sponsor. No apology has been made by the university, and Dr. Abdel-Fattah has called for accountability and recognition of the harm caused. Professor Wright has also hailed the Bendigo council for deciding to return the festival after a one-year pause, but has emphasized the need for La Trobe University to take accountability for its actions. Apologies have been sought from the university, with many calling for greater accountability and recognition of the harm caused.
The Importance of Artistic Freedom and Independence
The controversy surrounding the Bendigo Writers Festival has raised important questions about the role of sponsors in arts events and the importance of maintaining artistic freedom and independence. Samuel Cairnduff, from the University of Melbourne’s School of Culture and Communication, has stated that it is a wise move for the council to pause and reconsider the event, emphasizing the need to ensure that sponsors cannot exert undue pressure on arts organizations. He has also emphasized the importance of partnering with sponsors in a way that respects the values and independence of the arts organization, stating that "when you engage with a sponsor, they don’t get to pull the strings".
Conclusion and Future Directions
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the Bendigo Writers Festival has highlighted the importance of transparency, accountability, and artistic freedom in arts events. The City of Greater Bendigo’s decision to pause and reconsider the festival is a positive step towards addressing the concerns and ensuring that the festival returns in a way that respects the values and independence of the arts community. La Trobe University’s actions have been widely criticized, and it is essential that the university takes accountability for its actions and provides apologies to those affected. The future of the festival will depend on the ability of the council and the university to work together to create a safe and inclusive space for all participants, and to ensure that the values of artistic freedom and independence are respected.
