NT Writers Festival 2023

In Arrernte, mwantye-le awaye means to listen closely, to give things attention. Deep, careful listening entails an openness or receptivity – to other people and ways of being, to other species and the land around us. This year’s theme has been developed in consultation with Arrernte Elder Kumalie Riley, and a number of events at the festival explore truth telling and the need to challenge dominant narratives of the past.

With around 80 artists and 40 events, storytellers from Darwin to Papunya to Canada will share their insights and knowledge.

Esteemed filmmaker Rachel Perkins appears in-conversation about her remarkable documentary series, The Australian Wars, while Wiradyuri author, Dr Anita Heiss AM, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks, and Alice Springs-based author, Christopher Raja, appear on a panel on the way historical fiction can unsettle accepted narratives of the past.

Australian-born, but US-based, Geraldine Brooks also appears in-conversation about her latest historical novel, Horse. It is the first time since before the pandemic that an international author will appear at the festival in person, a development made possible thanks to a partnership with Sydney Writers’ Festival.

Another international voice joining the program is rising literary star Billy-Ray Belcourt. A poet, writer and academic from the Driftpile Cree Nation, Belcourt joins via livestream from Vancouver and will appear on a panel and in-conversation about his debut novel, A Minor Chorus.

In another outstanding feature event, Author and Uluru Statement from the Heart campaigner Thomas Mayo will be joined by journalist Kerry O’Brien for a conversation about their book The Voice to Parliament Handbook.

Join these incredible authors and more at the glorious Olive Pink Botanic Garden and embark with us on a journey of listening deeply.

Explore the full program today.

Image Credits:

1. Photo by Oliver Eclipse
2. Photo by Paz Tassone
3. Image courtesy of NT Writers Centre
4. Image courtesy of NT Writers Centre
5. Image courtesy of NT Writers Centre