Dangerous Dinner - Who or what is to blame for the collapse of Adelaide Writers’ Week

Dangerous Dinner

Hosted by Prof Barbara van Ernst AM, Dr Ingmar Wahlqvist, Dr Michael Liffman AM, Deborah Remfry & Prof Ruth Rentschler

The 2026 Adelaide Writers’ Week (part of the Adelaide Festival) was cancelled after a major controversy – the disinviting of author Randa Abdel-Fattah – that triggered a mass boycott by authors and the collapse of the festival’s leadership.
Did Adelaide Writers’ Week collapse because of one controversial decision—or because its governance model couldn’t balance artistic freedom, political pressure, and institutional responsibility?
Was the decision political censorship or fear of robust debate? Or was it framed as risk management and community safety?
Can we balance maximum freedom of expression, even when controversial, with institutional responsibility for social harmony and audience safety?
Where should the line be drawn between political expression and institutional responsibility? Could allowing the appearance of the Palestinian – Australian author have encouraged open dialogue instead?
Key issues included blurred roles between board and artistic leadership, poor crisis management, and lack of institutional resilience.
Does the core question become: How do cultural institutions balance freedom of expression, accountability, risk-taking and stability under pressure? What other factors may need to be considered in the governance and creative processes when planning an event? To what extent is this crisis part of wider festival challenge?

Dangerous Dinners give you the opportunity to fearlessly discuss contemporary, challenging and interesting ideas, themes and points of view.

In a relaxed, informal dining environment, we draw on the diverse expertise of our members, sharing their ideas and experiences on complex or controversial topics; to learn from others, challenge assumptions, spark new ideas or point the way for potential actions.

Dangerous because the topics may be difficult to discuss, ask the silent questions, challenge thinking, unpack pressing issues, test emerging trends. Safe because we respect others’ views, it is polite not offensive, under Chatham House rule and listening with the intent to learn.

On a regular basis, you will be able to join your fellow Melbourne Forum members for a robust discussion on a range of themes in dynamic company and over a light meal. The focus is on ‘food for thought’ with shared conversations and shared platters as part of the collegiality.