Adelaide, Australia — In a dramatic turn for Australia’s leading free literary festival, Adelaide Writers’ Week 2026 has been officially cancelled, a decision confirmed on Tuesday amid intensifying controversy and mass withdrawals following the decision to rescind the invitation of Palestinian-Australian author Dr. Randa Abdel-Fattah. The move — and the cultural fallout that followed — has plunged the festival into turmoil, leading to the resignation of senior leadership and the collapse of this year’s program.
Mass Boycotts and Author Withdrawals Shake the Festival
The catalyst for the crisis was the Adelaide Festival board’s decision on 8 January to remove Abdel-Fattah from the festival’s lineup, citing concerns over “cultural sensitivity” in the aftermath of the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack late last year. While the board said it did not imply any connection between the author and the tragedy, the justification nevertheless triggered widespread backlash.
Within days, dozens — and ultimately more than 180 writers, commentators, and cultural figures — withdrew their participation in protest, including eminent international voices. Among those to pull out were high-profile novelists, journalists, former political leaders and award-winning writers, reflecting deep dissatisfaction within the literary community.
Resignations and Leadership Shakeup
The controversy extended beyond participant withdrawals. Louise Adler, the long-serving director of Adelaide Writers’ Week, resigned in protest, describing the board’s actions as an attack on freedom of expression and artistic integrity. In an open letter, Adler lamented that she could not be “party to silencing writers.”
Following Adler’s exit, the majority of the Adelaide Festival Board also stepped down, effectively dismantling the governing leadership of the event. The board’s mass resignation was part of a broader statement acknowledging that the festival could no longer proceed in its current form.
Apology to Randa Abdel-Fattah and Public Reaction
In its official statement announcing the cancellation, the board expressed “sincere apologies” to Dr. Randa Abdel-Fattah for how the decision was represented, although it stopped short of reversing the original action or directly apologising for disinviting her. The statement said the decision, intended to show respect for a grieving community, had instead deepened division.
Dr. Abdel-Fattah rejected the apology as insincere and inadequate, calling the board’s reasoning racist and censorious. She has said she is considering her legal options and continues to assert her commitment to open dialogue and equality.
Reactions from the broader cultural and political spheres have been sharply divided. Some policymakers and commentators supported the board’s original decision, while others condemned it as capitulation to political pressure and detrimental to Australia’s cultural life.
Cultural, Economic and Political Aftershocks
The fallout from the cancellation extends beyond the artistic community. Adelaide Writers’ Week is a cornerstone of the Adelaide Festival, contributing significantly to the city’s cultural calendar and local economy. Its abrupt dissolution has sparked concern among publishers, sponsors, and audiences over lost opportunities and reputational damage.
The debate also reverberates across national conversations about free speech, cultural inclusion and the role of political considerations in arts programming — at a moment when Australia continues to grapple with the aftermath of national trauma and contentious international issues.
What Happens Next?
With the board’s resignation and the festival on indefinite hiatus, stakeholders are calling for a complete review of governance and programming processes. The Adelaide Festival Corporation has indicated it will work toward rebuilding trust with the artistic community, but significant challenges remain if Writers’ Week — a national literary institution — is to be restored in future years.
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