This is racist and disgraceful from
@adelaidewritersweek @adelaidefestival — which was one of my favourite literary festivals until this statement. Their response to the Bondi Beach attack is to un-invite Randa Abdel-Fattah even while acknowledging that she and her writing have no connection to that tragedy. How little they themselves believe this is a fair course of action is clear in this line: ‘these judgments may likely even change as the landscape and context evolves’. The source of pressure on them is clear in the jaw-dropping line about ‘ongoing engagement with relevant Government agencies’. Amidst this spinelessness and anti-Palestinian racism it’s uplifting — while unsurprising — to see all the the invited writers who have withdrawn in protest. The headline names will be the ones you might hear specifically mentioned: Zadie Smith, Perceval Everett, Masha Gessen, Michelle de Kretser etc. Good for all of them. But the writers who will particularly take a hit are those who don’t have the same kind of recognition.
@adelaidewritersweek draws audiences in the thousands for each event — and those audiences buy books. (Personally, I don’t think I’ve ever sold more books at a single festival event than I did on my last visit there.) Also, appearances at the major festivals can bring with them media coverage, and further invitations to other national and international festivals. Withdrawing from the festival is immensely consequential for writers. I can only hope all the withdrawals will activate that line ‘these judgements may likely even change as the landscape and context changes.’ For now, solidarity with
@randaafattah and all the writers who stand with her. And immense sympathy for the wonderful people I’ve met in the past who run and staff
@adelaidewritersweek who were clearly no part of this decision and must be very dismayed.
