Thursday, August 07, 2014

Writers' festivals are a place to connect during a time of global insecurity

The popularity and diversity of writers’ festivals is growing around the world. It’s not hard to understand why: they’re vital for us to question, collaborate and come together

Sydney writers' festival
‘The growth of literary festivals in Australia and globally is a cultural phenomenon that deserves more discussion.’ Photograph: Prudence Upton
The Byron Bay writers’ festival, one of Australia’s largest literary events, has just finished after three days of discussion and debate under sunshine and rain. With record-breaking crowds listening to writers and rappers in large outdoor tents, it was impossible not to be seduced by the diverse participants, including British authors Jeanette Winterson and Geoff Dyer. I spoke about vulture capitalism, Gaza, Palestine and adversarial journalism.

The growth of literary festivals in Australia and globally is a cultural phenomenon that deserves more discussion. India’s annual Jaipur literary event attracts over 100,000 people in a frenzy of debate, colour and energy. When I spoke in Jaipur in 2011, there were “only” around 50,000 visitors. The event’s reputation and stature has grown exponentially since then.

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