Welcome to Melbourne Writers Festival

We respectfully acknowledge that Melbourne Writers Festival takes place on the traditional lands of the people of the Kulin Nations. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. 

Melbourne Writers Festival brings writers and readers together to be inspired, challenged and thrilled by an intelligent, rousing and diverse program of books and ideas. Since 1986, the organisation has entertained hundreds of thousands of readers as Australia’s boldest literary festival. Based in Melbourne, a UNESCO City of Literature, we provide the inspiration and framework for vital, timely conversations. 

In 2024, we welcomed nearly 100 writers to Melbourne to take part in approximately 50 events for one extraordinary week. 

Melbourne Writers Festival champions open discourse, and always will. We recognise, encourage and value the importance of diverse opinions and perspectives among our staff, artists, audiences, the communities we serve and through our program. It is a space where words hold power.  

We ask everyone involved with MWF, on stage or as audience members, to approach discussions with curiosity and compassion. While advocating for freedom of expression and self-determination, we strictly prohibit bullying, violence, bigotry, discrimination, and racism, on all MWF platforms in-person or online, expecting all participants, including artists, staff, audiences, volunteers, partners, donors, and funders, to adhere to this standard of respect.