Perth Writers Festival 2016 program released

14 January 2016 Books+Publishing

The full program for the 2016 Perth Writers Festival, which runs from 18-21 February, has been released.

As previously reported by Books+Publishing, UK pop-philosopher Roman Krznaric will give the festival’s opening address with a speech on ‘the power of empathy to fundamentally transform our lives’, and US neuroscientist and author Lisa Genova will give a closing address on ‘the artist’s portrayal of issues central to our humanity’.

UK scientist and author Richard Dawkins will also speak at a sold-out event at the Perth Concert Hall on 22 February, reflecting on ‘a lifetime of tireless intellectual adventure’.

Other international guests appearing at the festival include Simon Winchester (UK), Patrick deWitt (Canada), Masha Gessen (Russia/US), Lauren Groff (US), Jasper Fforde (UK), Patrick Gale (UK), Anthony Marra (US), Etgar Keret (Israel), Hyeonseo Lee (South Korea), Félix J Palma (Spain), Paolo Bacigalupi (US), Laura Barnett (US) and Catherine Lacey (US).

‘Maisy’ creator Lucy Cousins (UK) and Katherine Rundell (UK) will participate in the festival’s family day on Sunday 21 February, alongside local children’s and YA authors Jack Heath, Sally Rippin, Andy Griffiths, Emily Rodda and Carole Wilkinson.

The program also features a ‘Paddock to Print’ special event on Saturday 20 February, which explores ‘the explosion of interest in food blogging, politics and storytelling around eating that connects food lovers’. Speakers include Delicious magazine editor Valli Little, blogger Michelle Crawford and UK food creative Anna Jones, who has worked as Jamie Oliver’s ‘food stylist’.

The festival also has a large line-up of local authors, including Charlotte Wood, Debra Adelaide, Stephanie Bishop, James Bradley, Miles Allinson, Garry Disher, Gail Jones, Susan Johnson, Mireille Juchau, George Megalogenis, Magda Szubanski, Lucy Treloar, Rosie Waterland and Don Watson.

View the full program here.

Category: Festivals Local news