The Adelaide Festival Corporation has issued an apology to Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah and extended an invitation for her to participate in the 2027 Adelaide Writers’ Week. This follows a period of significant disruption, including the cancellation of this year’s Writers’ Week after more than 180 authors and participants withdrew in protest.
A Tumultuous Turn of Events
The initial cancellation of Abdel-Fattah’s invitation stemmed from her public commentary on Israel and Zionism. However, following the installation of a new Adelaide Festival board this week, the corporation reversed its previous decision and retracted its earlier statement. The Adelaide Festival Corporation stated, “We apologise to Dr Abdel-Fattah unreservedly for the harm the Adelaide Festival Corporation has caused her.”
Abdel-Fattah has accepted the apology, stating via social media that she would consider participating in the 2027 festival, particularly if Louise Adler, who recently resigned as director of Adelaide Writers’ Week, were to return. However, she also noted that the apology is “not a quick fix to repair the damage and injury inflicted.”
Differing Reactions
The response to the reversal has been mixed. While the Adelaide Festival Corporation emphasized its commitment to “intellectual and artistic freedom,” Norman Schueler of the Jewish Community Council of South Australia labeled the apology as “weak” and expressed hurt within his community. He also voiced opposition to Abdel-Fattah’s potential inclusion in the 2027 event, suggesting the board reconsider its decision.
New Adelaide Festival Board chair Judy Potter also issued an apology to Louise Adler for the cancellation of the 2026 Writers’ Week program, acknowledging Adler’s “principled stand” in resigning. A previous decision to review operational decisions of Adelaide Writers’ Week has also been rescinded.
Looking Ahead
Despite the apology and invitation to Abdel-Fattah, the 2026 Adelaide Writers’ Week has been cancelled. Ms. Potter explained that the timing of events led to artists making alternative arrangements. The board is now focused on the 2026 Adelaide Festival and has stated its determination to “rise again” with a future Writers’ Week. It is possible the board will undertake a comprehensive review of the events that led to this crisis once the current festival concludes.
Adelaide Festival chief executive Julian Hobba affirmed the team’s commitment to the 2026 festival and expressed gratitude for the swift action taken by the South Australian Premier and Arts Minister. He reiterated that the apology was issued in good faith and aimed to address the harm caused to Abdel-Fattah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Adelaide Writers’ Week cancelled?
Adelaide Writers’ Week was cancelled because, following the controversy surrounding the invitation to Randa Abdel-Fattah, a significant number of authors and participants withdrew, and by the time the situation was resolved, many artists had made other arrangements.
What was the original reason for cancelling Randa Abdel-Fattah’s invitation?
The original invitation to Randa Abdel-Fattah was cancelled due to her commentary on Israel and Zionism.
Will Randa Abdel-Fattah participate in the 2027 Adelaide Writers’ Week?
Randa Abdel-Fattah has accepted the apology and stated she would consider participating in the 2027 festival, but indicated her participation is contingent on circumstances, including the potential return of Louise Adler as director.
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