A New Chapter for Literary Engagement
The Sydney Writers’ Festival (SWF) is one of the world’s leading literary events, taking place in May each year. Since 1997, it has provided opportunities for storytelling and cultural exchange. Now, the SWF will significantly expand.
September 2025, SWF is launching a new year-round program of literary events, made possible by a strategic partnership with the State Library of New South Wales and support of the NSW Government.
The partnership aims to establish Sydney as a vibrant and dedicated literary centre, creating a home for ongoing storytelling year-round.
The widespread objectives are clear: increase participation, create lasting ties between reading and writing in Sydney’s cultural identity, and deliver events, workshops and readings to all Sydney residents.
SWF 2025 Reflection Wall. Photo by Jacquie Manning.
Literary Tapestry: A Year-Round Program
This new year-round program extends the festival’s presence to feature 70 new literary events. These include author talks, writing workshops, and readings for a versatile spectrum of readers and writers.
At the heart of the program lies a commitment to inclusivity and diversity; to celebrate local and international authors and amplify underrepresented voices.
The initiative will support global literary exchanges, fostering an open dialogue between diverse literary traditions. The hope is to strengthen the connection between urban life and literature. It will give Sydney’s diverse community an open forum to fortify relationships between authors and readers and give a voice to underrepresented groups.
A Landmark Partnership: Government and Library Support
Supported by a substantial $1.5 million government investment, the partnership with the State Library is a historic alliance demonstrating the program’s value in Sydney’s arts and cultural industry.
Minister of Arts John Graham gave the government’s rationale, stating that Australian writers earn an average of $18,500 per year, despite how vital reading and writing are to personal wellbeing and collective prosperity. He emphasised the NSW Government is pleased to fund this partnership, recognising the pivotal role libraries play as homes for readers and writers and the ‘great contribution that writers’ festivals play in taking what is quite a solitary act, reading and transforming it into a community experience.’
Arts Minister John Graham with State Librarian Caroline Butler-Bowdon and SWF Chief Executive Brooke Webb at the State Library of NSW. Photo by Belinda Rolland, the State Library of NSW, 2025
Minister Graham noted that this investment is the ‘first step in our upcoming writing and literature strategy, the first time an Australian government has put together a comprehensive strategy to support the writing and literature sector.’
This creative alliance is being celebrated as a model for public-private collaboration within the arts sector, due to its potential to inspire similar efforts throughout Australia.
Voices of Vision: Leadership Perspectives
The CEO of the Sydney Writers Festival, Brooke Webb, spoke passionately about this new chapter; ‘Sydney Writers’ Festival is proud to partner with the State Library of NSW, a relationship that began almost 30 years ago, when some of our earliest events were held there.’ She added, ‘This new chapter allows us to extend the spirit of the Festival year-round, engaging loyal audiences and inviting new readers to discover the power of books, stories and ideas. United by a shared commitment to literature and learning, we’re working together to champion more writers, inspire readers, and nurture vibrant literary communities across NSW.’
State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon echoed this sentiment, affirming the Library’s role as ‘the home of reading, research and creativity in NSW.’ She said, ‘The State Library is pleased to be partnering with (SWF) to enhance our state’s cultural offering and deepen our commitment to making literature and storytelling more accessible, inclusive and engaging for all. We’re excited to welcome new and familiar visitors through our doors and continue to offer unforgettable experiences all year round.’
The striking thematic alignment and shared language in statements from all leaders demonstrate one strategic narrative and one deeply converged mission: a long-term committed investment in Sydney’s cultural future.
A Glimpse at Inaugural Events
The Library Auditorium will host some of the most intriguing Australian and international speakers for the inaugural events which started selling July 30th.
On the 25th of September, the Happy Endings session will see Melanie Saward and Saman Shad discuss their novels, explore chance encounters, cultural identity, female friendship and the quest for a happy ending, charting the course for contemporary love and the art of writing.
In 2003, an Australian exchange student, Hannah Kent, arrived at Keflavik Airport in the middle of the Icelandic winter. Always Home, Always Homesick, is Hannah’s exquisite love letter to a land that has forged a nation of storytellers, her ode to the transformative power of creativity and an invitation to step into the mystery, the spirit, and the wonder. Her session, Always Homesick, will run on the 2nd of October.
To see what other events are coming up, the SWF calendar can be found here.
Impact and Vision for the Future
The launch of this year-round program has profound implications for the broader literary landscape of Sydney. It is an opportunity for continuous intellectual discussion, engagement and support for new writing practice, and will expand the possibilities for the literary arts far beyond the existing festival structure. This initiative is set to contribute substantially to Sydney’s esteemed reputation as a vibrant, innovative and lively cultural hub for both local and international artists and audiences.
This program will strengthen communities by bringing relevant, accessible and diverse literary events directly into local neighbourhoods, promoting feelings of belonging and shared cultural experience.
The long-term goal is evident: to enhance Sydney’s creative and intellectual fabric by making literature ubiquitous, widely accessible and an essential component of daily cultural life.
Smiling Faces at SWF 2025. Photo by Jamie Williams.
Engage and Explore
SWF invites public participation in this new program.
For full program details, upcoming listings of events, and ticketing information, visit the official SWF website and socials.
