Adelaide writers’ week sacrificed to save city’s prestigious arts festival, documents show
Adelaide writers' week was cancelled to protect the 2026 Adelaide festival following backlash over the removal of Randa Abdel-Fattah from the program. Internal documents revealed concerns about a potential collapse of the festival due to artist withdrawals. The decision to cancel the writers' week was made to mitigate reputational and financial damage to the festival.
- ▪The cancellation of Adelaide writers' week was a response to backlash over Randa Abdel-Fattah's removal from the program.
- ▪Internal briefings warned of a potential collapse of the 2026 Adelaide festival due to artist withdrawals.
- ▪The decision aimed to prevent further reputational damage and ensure the festival's future viability.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Adelaide writers’ week was cancelled to save the 2026 Adelaide festival amid a backlash over the removal of Randa Abdel-Fattah from the AWW program, documents show. Photograph: Shane ReidView image in fullscreenAdelaide writers’ week was cancelled to save the 2026 Adelaide festival amid a backlash over the removal of Randa Abdel-Fattah from the AWW program, documents show. Photograph: Shane ReidAdelaide writers' weekAdelaide writers’ week sacrificed to save city’s prestigious arts festival, documents show Briefings obtained by freedom of information warned a ‘cascade of withdrawals’ could lead to collapse of 2026 South Australian festival Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Kelly BurkeTue 28 Apr 2026 04.28 EDTLast modified on Tue 28 Apr 2026 04.47 EDTSharePrefer…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — World.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Guardian — World
