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

Adelaide Writers&rsquo; 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&rsquo;s director.
In a statement on Tuesday, Adelaide Festival apologised to Abdel-Fattah, but rather than reinstating her, they announced that Australia&rsquo;s premier free literary event would not go ahead &ndash; and almost all remaining board members would stand down.
The board described the cancellation as a &ldquo;deeply regrettable outcome&rdquo;.
Today, InDaily journalist Helen Karakulak on questions of political influence &ndash; and what the cancellation means for the future of the arts.
&nbsp;
If you enjoy&nbsp;7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.
&nbsp;
Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: InDaily journalist Helen Karakulak
Background reading:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/life/entertainment/books/2026/01/13/adelaide-writers-week-cancelled">https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/life/entertainment/books/2026/01/13/adelaide-writers-week-cancelled</a>
Photo:&nbsp;PR Image

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An independent daily news show. We feature the country&rsquo;s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper. Hear from the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

How cancelling a Palestinian writer blew up Adelaide Writers Week

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