The Sydney Writers’ Festival has announced an exciting new chapter in its storied history with the introduction of a landmark partnership with the State Library of NSW.
Supported by the NSW Government, this collaboration will deliver a year-round program of literary events, complementing the Festival’s annual celebration of storytelling each May. The initiative is set to launch this September, marking a transformative moment for Sydney’s literary scene.
A New Literature Hub for Sydney
This partnership will establish a dedicated literature hub in Sydney, creating a vibrant, year-round home for storytelling and literary engagement. The program aims to boost participation in literary events, embed reading and writing into Sydney’s cultural identity, and offer a diverse array of workshops, readings, and events.
The initiative also seeks to foster global literary exchange and nurture emerging talent by featuring both international and local authors. Importantly, it will provide an inclusive and accessible platform for NSW’s diverse communities, amplifying underrepresented voices and strengthening the connection between writers and readers.
About Sydney Writers’ Festival
Since its inception in 1997, the Sydney Writers’ Festival has grown into one of the world’s premier literary festivals. Each May, it brings together acclaimed authors, thinkers, and audiences for a week of storytelling, ideas, and cultural exchange. The Festival is deeply committed to inclusion, accessibility, and the promotion of Australian writing in all its forms.
To learn more about the Festival and explore upcoming events, visit swf.org.au.
Upcoming Events: September–October 2025
The year-round program kicks off with an impressive lineup of events featuring celebrated authors and thought leaders. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:
Michelle de Kretser: Theory & Practice
18 September 2025
Join Michelle de Kretser, one of Australia’s most celebrated writers and the 2025 Stella Prize winner, as she delves into her latest genre-bending work, Theory & Practice. In conversation with Malcolm Knox, Michelle will explore themes of jealousy, desire, truth, and shame, and discuss the transformative power of the novel.
Happy Endings with Melanie Saward and Saman Shad
25 September 2025
Melanie Saward (Love Unleashed) and Saman Shad (The Sex Lives of Married Women) come together to discuss contemporary love and the art of writing modern romance. This swoon-worthy session will touch on chance encounters, cultural identity, female friendship, and the pursuit of a happy ending.
Hannah Kent: Always Home, Always Homesick
2 October 2025
In Always Home, Always Homesick, Hannah Kent reflects on her transformative experience as a 17-year-old exchange student in Iceland. This exquisite love letter to a land of storytellers is an ode to creativity and an invitation to explore the realms of mystery, spirit, and wonder.
Bob Brown: Defiance
10 October 2025
Former Australian Greens leader Bob Brown shares insights from his new book, Defiance. Drawing on decades of activism, Bob will inspire audiences to take action for the planet. With warmth and humor, he’ll reflect on the challenges facing nature’s defenders and the motivations that keep them fighting.
This new partnership between the Sydney Writers’ Festival and the State Library of NSW promises to enrich Sydney’s cultural landscape, offering a dynamic and inclusive space for readers, writers, and storytellers alike. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exciting new chapter in Sydney’s literary journey!
To learn more and explore upcoming events, visit swf.org.au.