Auckland Writers Festival - May 2018

AUCKLAND WRITERS FESTIVAL 15 - 20 May 2018

Not long to go now...... The first draft of our print programme is now with our designer, and this year we will be printing a record 60,000 copies to be distributed all over New Zealand. These will be landing in letterboxes, libraries, bookshops, galleries and more from mid-March.  If you would like to receive a copy of the print programme by post, please add your contact details on our sign up page and we will make sure you are added to our annual subscriber list. Our public launch will be on the evening of Wednesday 14 March so make sure you are following us online or social media to be first in the know. Tickets will be on sale from 9am Friday 16 March (priority booking for Patrons on 13 March and Friends on 15 March). Mark your diaries!            WE HAVE LAUNCHED OUR 2018 SCHOOLS PROGRAMME!       We are delighted to deliver our tenth annual Schools Programme in May with the generous support of the Freemasons Foundation. Through this programme we hope to inspire young writers and readers and celebrate the love of story. Our amazing line up includes fiction writer and teacher Leonie Agnew, singer, songwriter Lawrence Arabia, illustrator and author Gavin Bishop, journalist and editor Sasha Borissenko, fiction writer Stacy Gregg, non-fiction writer Joanna Grochowicz, the poetry of writer Rowley Habib presented by Hāpai Productions, Alaskan novelist Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock, short story writer and novelist A.S. King , Poet Laureate and teacher Selina Tusitala Marsh, fantasy writer J L Pawley, sports biography writer and teacher David Riley, playwright Victor Rodger, spoken word performer Te Kahu Rolleston, writer, cartoonist and illustrator Chris Riddell, writer and augmented reality app developer James Russell, historian Anne Salmond, fiction writer and former slam poet Alex Wheatle, spoken word performer Rewa Worley. In 2018 we continue the development of the programme through: Doubled capacity for Year 5-6 students Transport subsidy funds to assist with schools travel costs Three new schools added to the Writing the Future Project, supported by our new sponsor Vector Limited, enabling these schools to attend at no cost. In addition, eight students from each sponsored school will embark on a creative writing mentoring programme. All programme details are available online, so please share with your schools and teachers, before we sell out!         RELIVE THE FESTIVAL VIA PODCAST & VIDEO       If you missed Nigella Lawson earlier this month, you really did miss a treat! Over 2,000 fans joined us for a truly memorable evening with this wonderful English food writer and journalist. Nigella started work as a book reviewer and restaurant critic, going on to become the deputy literary editor of The Sunday Times before embarking on a career as a freelance journalist. She has now become one of the world’s most loved food writers and broadcasters and is the author of numerous award-winning books including How to Eat, How to Be a Domestic Goddess, Nigella Bites and most recently At My Table. Chaired by Paula Morris. Supported by Penguin Random House. View the video now We have loaded a selection of videos and podcasts to our Look, Listen & Learn page so you can enjoy the magic at home. Revisit your favourite writer's sessions, or catch up on the events you missed. There's something for everyone! Podcasts are also available on itunes so you can download and listen on the go.      OFFERS FROM OUR FESTIVAL FRIENDS     ARMANDO IANNUCCI'S THE DEATH OF STALIN A strong and daring addition to the incredible body of work from comedy genius and #awf17 guest Armando Iannucci (Veep, The Thick Of It, Alan Partridge) with hilarious performances from an outstanding ensemble cast with classic comedic names. The one-liners fly as fast as political fortunes fall in this uproarious, wickedly irreverent satire. Moscow, 1953: when tyrannical dictator Joseph Stalin drops dead, his parasitic cronies square off in a frantic power struggle to be the next Soviet leader. Combining palace intrigue with rapid-fire farce, this audacious comedy is a bitingly funny takedown of bureaucratic dysfunction performed to the hilt by a sparkling ensemble cast. To go in the draw to win one of five double passes, please email by Thursday 1 March. AUCKLAND ART GALLERY PRESENTS   Mon 5 Mar 5:30-7:30pm talk with Rhana Devenport Judy Darragh & Imogen Taylor She Claims: Art Matters #1 She Claims: Art Matters is a series of events at Auckland Art Gallery that celebrates the ideas, voices and power of creative women. The first guests are visual artists Judy Darragh and Imogen Taylor, who recently launched the platform and publication Femisphere. They'll talk about their background, practice, drive and ideas with Auckland Art Gallery Director, curator and writer Rhana Devenport. Tickets includes refreshments AAG Members $25 Non-Members $75, incl a one-year Membership Book via eventfinda To go in the draw to win a double pass, please email to enter the draw by Thursday 1 March.     SIGN UP AS A FESTIVAL FRIEND An annual AWF Friend membership is just $100 per person, and includes: an  invitation to our March programme launch, priority booking ahead of public ticket sales, access to a dedicated booking line with no transaction fees, reserved seating at all ticketed events and special offers and discounts all year round. Numbers are strictly limited, so don't miss out, further details available online. JOIN THE FESTIVAL TEAM Our volunteers are an essential part of each Festival’s success. While there are no particular skills or work experience required for you to become a volunteer, a love of literature and books is a good start. If you are enthusiastic, generous, reliable, friendly, motivated, tactful and available for 3 or more shifts (of 4-5 hours) from 15-20 May and would like to be considered, please email and register your interest.     WITH THANKS TO OUR MAJOR FESTIVAL PARTNERS: