Adelaide Festival Corporation Issues Apology to Author Randa Abdel-Fattah

The Adelaide Festival Corporation has officially apologized to Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah regarding recent controversies surrounding the Adelaide Writers’ Week. Following the cancellation of this year’s event, the organization announced that Abdel-Fattah would be invited to speak at the next festival in 2027.

Background of the Controversy

This year’s Writers’ Week faced significant backlash, leading to the withdrawal of over 180 authors and participants. The controversy stemmed from the corporation’s decision to rescind an invitation to Abdel-Fattah due to her outspoken views on Israel and Zionism. The situation escalated when a new board was installed, prompting the corporation to retract its earlier decisions.

Apology Issued to Randa Abdel-Fattah

In a statement, the Adelaide Festival Corporation expressed an unreserved apology to Abdel-Fattah. They acknowledged the harm caused and emphasized the importance of intellectual and artistic freedom.

• Apology issued: “to Dr Abdel-Fattah unreservedly for the harm…the Adelaide Festival Corporation has caused her.”
• The corporation recognized that they had fallen short in upholding freedom of expression.

Abdel-Fattah responded positively, stating she would consider the 2027 invitation but noted the apology does not fully repair the damage done.

Impact on Adelaide Writers’ Week

The decision to withdraw the invitation has resulted in the cancellation of Writers’ Week for this year. Judy Potter, newly appointed chair of the board, has expressed sorrow for the situation, including the impact on Louise Adler, the former director who resigned following these events.

• Potter’s statement emphasized the quality of the Writers’ Week program curated by Adler.
• Adler is described as a highly respected figure in Australian literature.

Looking Ahead

Potter reassured the community about the future of Writers’ Week, stating, “It will rise again.” However, she acknowledged that this year’s program could not proceed due to current circumstances.

Festival chief executive Julian Hobba expressed gratitude for the community’s patience and the swift appointment of the new board by Premier Peter Malinauskas and Arts Minister Andrea Michaels. He emphasized a renewed commitment to the success of the Adelaide Festival 2026.

This situation reflects a crucial dialogue about artistic freedom and community values, and it poses important questions for the future of arts festivals in Australia.