Canberra Writers Festival at the museum

Canberra Writers Festival, National Museum of Australia, August 2019

21–25 August 2019 | Costs apply | Bookings essential

The 2019 Canberra Writers Festival program has something for everyone, with a stellar line-up of 160 local, national and international authors gathered under the festival themes of Power. Politics. Passion.

This year’s festival offers a range of events including exciting panel discussions and in-depth conversations with a great line-up of thinkers and provocateurs.

As a foundation partner of the Canberra Writers Festival, we are excited to host the following events at the National Museum of Australia.

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Canberra Writers Festival events

Down and Dirty in the Garden with a Legend

7pm–10pm, Wednesday 21 August 2019

Costs apply, Gandel AtriumBook ticketsStephanie Alexander kicks off the Canberra Writers Festival with a fun-filled journey that will tempt the taste buds and explore our love of good nosh.

Meaty Matters

9.30am–10.30am, Saturday 24 August 2019
Costs apply, Visions Theatre:Book ticketsGoing vegan might be all the rage but the fact is the world has an ever-growing, insatiable appetite for meat. An acclaimed panel featuring Dr Norman Swan, Matthew Evans, Katrina Fox, Gil Hovav and Lisa Donaldson will debate if it is possible to be an ethical carnivore in this day and age.

Capital Culture

SOLD OUT, 9.30am–10.30am, Saturday 24 August 2019
Costs apply, Gandel AtriumBook ticketsJoin Paul Daley, Andrew Leigh MP, Marion Halligan, Tracey Hawkins, Marg Wade and Nichole Overall with Irma Gold in this irresistible ode to the national capital. Hear stories not just of politics and power, but of ghosts and murder and mayhem, of humour and irreverence, and the rich underlying lode that makes Canberra such a fascinating city.

Defining Moments: True Crime

11.30am–12.30pm,Saturday 24 August 2019
Costs apply, Visions TheatreBook ticketsCrime might not pay, but it has delivered rich opportunities for some of Australia’s best writers and journalists. Join Hedley Thomas, Felicity Packard, Catie Gilchrist and Rachel Franks in conversation with Paul Barclay, discussing true crime and popular culture.

Dirty John (Tom, Dick & Harry)
SOLD OUT, Time:11.30am–12.30pm, Date: Saturday 24 August 2019
Ticket information: Costs apply, Gandel Atrium: Book ticketsJournalist and award-winning writer and author of Fake, Stephanie Wood, shares her story of romance, duplicity and manipulation, and those of other women, with respected presenter and writer Caroline Baum.

For Whom the Pell Tolls
SOLD OUT, Time:1.30pm–2.30pm, Date:Saturday 24 August 2019
Ticket information: Costs apply, Visions Theatre: Book ticketsThe sentencing of Cardinal George Pell, Australia’s most senior Church leader, mesmerised and shocked the public and dealt another devastating blow to the trust and faithfulness of Catholic parishioners worldwide. Join David Marr and Louise Milligan, moderated by Chris Uhlmann, as they discuss the impact of the recent appeal.

Headstrong Daughters
Time: 1.30pm–2.30pm, Date: Saturday 24 August 2019
Ticket information: Costs apply, Bunyip Room: Book ticketsLawyer and author of Headstrong Daughters Nadia Jamal reveals, to ABC journalist Sarah MacDonald, how ordinary Muslim women around Australia are finding ways to stay true to their faith as well as themselves.

The Teacher’s Pet
SOLD OUT, Time: 3.30pm–4.30pm, Date: Saturday 24 August 2019
Ticket information: Costs apply, Visions Theatre: Book ticketsThe Teacher’s Pet is a global, Gold Walkley Award-winning podcast phenomenon with almost 50 million downloads. Join The Australian’s investigative reporter Hedley Thomas as he provides an extraordinary, behind-the-scenes account, with writer and journalist Matthew Condon.

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