This afternoon, the Adelaide Writers Week for 2026 was officially cancelled, marking a significant fallout from recent controversies involving the Adelaide Festival board. This decision comes less than a week after Palestinian-Australian writer Randa Abdel-Fattah was disinvited by the board, despite strong opposition from Writers Week director Louise Adler, who resigned earlier today. The board members have also announced their resignation, with the exception of the Adelaide City Council representative, who will remain until February 2.
Adler described the cancellation as “no surprise,” expressing her disappointment with the board’s handling of the situation. She told The Guardian, “I am so sorry that this masterclass in poor governance has landed us in this position.” The board had previously stated that including Abdel-Fattah would not be “culturally sensitive” following the Bondi attacks, citing unspecified past statements, although they clarified that they did not suggest any direct connection between Abdel-Fattah’s writings and the attacks.
Board’s Decision and Resignations
Today, the board issued an apology to Abdel-Fattah, who was scheduled to discuss her upcoming novel, Discipline, in 2025. The board emphasized that the issue was not about identity or dissent but rather a reflection of the shifting national discourse on freedom of expression following Australia’s worst terror attack. Over the weekend, three board members resigned, and by Monday, board chair Tracey Whiting AM had also stepped down.
The controversy led to a mass withdrawal of over 180 presenters from the festival, including international figures like Zadie Smith and former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, as well as prominent Australian authors. The board’s statement highlighted that their resignation would facilitate a transition to a new board to ensure the success of future festivals.
Governance and Artistic Representation
The absence of artists or writers on the Adelaide Festival board has sparked criticism. Jennifer Mills, chair of the Australian Society of Authors, remarked, “This whole debacle is an object lesson in why representation from artists and writers in leadership positions is essential.” The role of a board in an arts organization is to provide governance, not management, with a focus on strategic stewardship and artistic purpose.
However, the trend towards corporatisation has seen boards composed of individuals from financial and legal backgrounds rather than those with arts expertise. This shift has led to conflicts between boards and artistic staff, as seen in previous controversies involving Creative Australia and the Venice Biennale.
Political Involvement and Future Implications
The Australian arts sector traditionally operates on an “arms length principle” to protect decisions from political interference. Yet, questions have arisen regarding political involvement in the Abdel-Fattah case, with South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas denying any pressure on the board. South Australian Greens MLC Robert Simms has called for an independent review to examine the board’s independence.
The resignation of the Adelaide Festival board has prompted speculation about internal decision-making processes. Mills emphasized the need for democratizing arts institutions to ensure accountability and transparency. This incident is the latest in a series of controversies within the arts community, highlighting the ongoing tension between governance and artistic freedom.
Calls for Change in Arts Governance
Artists and leaders are advocating for a renewed focus on arts expertise in governance. Adler criticized boards lacking arts experience for being swayed by political pressures. Meanwhile, arts writer Kate Larsen suggested rethinking not-for-profit governance models, arguing for deeper artistic knowledge in decision-making processes.
As the Adelaide Festival board seeks to reengage with its stakeholders and community, the arts sector watches closely to see how these events will shape future governance and artistic expression. The situation underscores the importance of balancing artistic integrity with organizational oversight in the cultural landscape.
