Adelaide Writers’ Week has been cancelled after the removal of Palestinian author Randa Abdel-Fattah sparked a mass boycott of the event by more than 100 writers who were programmed to attend, as well as the resignation of the festival’s director.

In a statement on Tuesday, Adelaide Festival apologised to Abdel-Fattah, but rather than reinstating her, they announced that Australia’s premier free literary event would not go ahead – and almost all remaining board members would stand down.

The board described the cancellation as a “deeply regrettable outcome”.

Today, InDaily journalist Helen Karakulak on questions of political influence – and what the cancellation means for the future of the arts.

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Guest: InDaily journalist Helen Karakulak

Background reading: https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/life/entertainment/books/2026/01/13/adelaide-writers-week-cancelled

Photo: PR Image