Welcome to Melbourne Writers Festival
One of Australia's most loved literary institutions, MWF is where intellect, imagination and inquiry take the stage.
About MWF
We respectfully acknowledge that Melbourne Writers Festival takes place on the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation, in particular the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung peoples. 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 2025, we welcome over 140 writers to Melbourne to take part in 69 events for one extraordinary week.
Open Discourse
Melbourne Writers Festival champions open discourse and freedom of expression. We recognise the importance of diverse and divergent perspectives among our staff, artists, audiences, and the communities we serve. The Festival is led by its values of Excellence, Curiosity, Diversity and a Future-Focused mindset.
We platform writers and thinkers who explore complex ideas with open hearts and minds, and are committed to reflecting the local and global diversity of the world in which we live. We ignite conversations that Melbourne tunes in to, addressing relevant and essential subjects and stories. Our programming values creative insight, intellectually rigorous dialogue and constructive debate.
We seek to create a festival where books, stories and ideas are discussed with nuance, compassion and mutual respect – where words have power.
While we advocate for free expression and self-determination, we also uphold a commitment to ensuring a safe and respectful environment, in accordance with anti-discrimination and other Australian laws. MWF strictly prohibits any speech or behaviour that is discriminatory, illegal or racist, on all MWF platforms in-person and online. We expect all participants, including artists, staff, audiences, volunteers, partners, donors and funders, to adhere to this standard of respect.
We extend our thanks to the members of the MWF community who help us create a constructive, curious and empathetic festival environment.