Former Adelaide writers’ week director calls festival turmoil 'poor governance'

Louise Adler, the former director of Adelaide writers’ week, told the ABC’s 7.30 program the turmoil surrounding the festival would be remembered as a "masterclass in poor governance" and an "act of cultural vandalism".

Adler said it would have been "untenable" for the event to go ahead this month after 180 writers pulled out, calling the situation "a landmark, a watershed moment" and pointing to "a succession of dramas" in which "political interference and donors and lobby groups" had influenced programming. Asked if the board was under pressure to remove Randa Abdel‑Fattah before the Bondi terror attack, Adler said she "wouldn't know" if pressure came from the premier's office or other outside influences, and said there had long been pro‑Israel lobbyists arguing against the inclusion of Palestinian writers in festivals she had directed.

Adler said she was "quite confident" Adelaide writers’ week would be resurrected from 2027 and "rise from the ashes", and described the episode as an important lesson for the arts community and those committed to freedom of speech, freedom of expression, inclusivity and civil discussion.

Key Topics

Culture, Louise Adler, Adelaide Writers' Week, Randa Abdel‑fattah, Bondi Terror Attack, Arts Governance