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2003 Byron Bay Writers Festival - Beyond
the Obvious
The 2003 Byron Bay Writers Festival will
cover some of the most important issues facing readers and writers
in Australia currently. With equal emphasis on fiction and non-fiction
writing, this year’s Festival will deal with topics such
as philosophy, science, politics and sport along side of poetry,
prose, travel and writing for screen and stage. Indeed the program
will be well beyond the obvious.
As readers today we are seeking informed debate and worthy expressions
of our position in the world. Whether this search be through the
literary fiction of Thea Astley, the research of Tim Flannery
or the challenging approaches of Peter Singer, the Festival will
offer valuable insights for all. As a forum for the exploration
of ideas as well the written word the Festival will once again
provide that rare and exciting opportunity to be challenged intellectually
and entertained simultaneously.
As Director I am particularly excited to welcome the Honouring
Words component to the Byron Bay Writers Festival. We are most
privileged to have been able to work with the Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Arts Board of the Australia Council on bringing
this International Indigenous showcase to the Australian public.
With Indigenous writers from Canada, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and
Australia it is a real thrill to have developed a forum for discussing
some of the big issues in Indigenous writing and thus writing
generally today.
As always the Festival is programmed to attract readers and writers
of all ages and backgrounds. With specially designed schools programs,
the kids’ tent on the Saturday and a launch of seniors’
writing, the audience covers the whole spectrum. One of the aspects
of the Festival of which I am most proud is the integration of
these audiences who all share in the same celebration of the written
word.
Over the past 6 years the Festival has not only attracted readers
but writers who are seeking professional development and an opportunity
to improve their skills. This year the Festival will particularly
accommodate this with a huge program of workshops and seminars
in the 4 days leading to the Festival as well as during the course
of the Festival. Workshops will cover a broad range of topics
featuring some of Australia’s most highly respected writers.
I urge everyone with an interest in writing to look carefully
at the workshop program and take advantage of the rare opportunity
presented.
Keep your eye too on a few other new additions to the Festival
like the Festival Club that will feature each evening and the
Retrospective of David Williamson’s films that will appear
at the Dendy Theatre.
Undoubtedly the 2003 Festival will provide something for everyone.
With up to four sessions running simultaneously there is a huge
program to chose from whether you read the sports pages of the
morning paper, social and political commentary, popular or literary
fiction there will be a session at the Festival for you to enjoy.
Jill Eddington
Director Byron Bay Writers Festival
image © Jeff Dawson
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