In 2017 Brisbane Writers Festival celebrated 55 years of bringing stimulating ideas, debate, discussion and literature to Brisbane. First presented as the Warana Writers Convention in 1962, just six sessions were presented over one day. We now present over 150 events, with more than 20,000 literary lovers descending onto the State Library of Queensland and QAGOMA site annually in September to hear from their favourite authors.
Presented as part of BWF is Word Play, BWF’s Education Program for Young Readers, Storytellers and Illustrators in Grades Prep to 12. Students from across Queensland flock to Brisbane and celebrate a diverse program of literary experiences designed to ignite imaginations and inspire them as they make their way in the world.
Love YA, also presented as part of BWF, is a day to celebrate the characters, the authors, and the adventures that make the world of Young Adult fiction inviting, inspiring, and unforgettable. With everything from author signings, panel discussions, workshops, and a cosplay comp or too, Love YA offers the opportunity to indulge and learn from all things YA in an unmissable day of fun.
Premiering as part of BWF last year was the extraordinary immersive literary experience, Angel’s Palace. In the spirit of the spiegeltent, Angel’s Palace is a travelling artwork and pop-up venue in one, touring with a suite of multi-disciplinary performances that represent the voice of Indigenous Australia, celebrate Aboriginal storytelling and literature, ready to inspire audiences across the world. The Palace was designed by Gordon Hookey, inspired by the novel Carpentaria by Alexis Wright, with performances and installations inside brought to life by a number of creative collaborators, including director Alethea Beetson.
UPLIT is committed to connecting Queensland through story through the various programs and events the organisation presents.
In 2018, the Brisbane Writers Festival, UPLIT’s flagship program, will weave together an exciting program of ideas and literature to take place from Tuesday 4 until Sunday 9 September. The full program will be announced and on-sale in July. Subscribe to our eNews now to stay up-to-date with program announcements and other bookish news, and join us as we celebrate 56 years of reading, writing and ideas.