Adelaide Writers' Week Appoints New Director Amid Controversy

In January 2026, the Adelaide Writers' Week (AWW) faced significant turmoil when the Adelaide festival board disinvited Palestinian-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah due to her past comments on Israel and Zionism. This decision led to widespread backlash, including a boycott by approximately 200 writers, the resignation of AWW's director Louise Adler, and the entire board's departure. The fallout raised questions about governance and artistic freedom within literary festivals.

The Guardian

In the wake of this controversy, Rosemarie Milsom, the founding director of the Newcastle Writers Festival (NWF), was appointed as the new director of AWW for the 2027-2029 festivals. Milsom has a strong background in literary culture and has been recognized for her commitment to curatorial independence. She expressed excitement about her new role while acknowledging the challenges ahead, stating, “I don’t envy anyone in this position.”

The Guardian

Milsom's leadership style emphasizes the importance of maintaining artistic integrity amidst external pressures. She has previously faced similar challenges at NWF but managed to navigate them successfully, achieving record attendance in 2026 without protests or boycotts. Milsom criticized other arts organizations for yielding to pressure to disinvite controversial figures, arguing that such actions do not resolve conflicts and may lead to further censorship. “If you think the only way to navigate it is to appease one particular group, that’s not a fair response,” she stated.

The Guardian

Adelaide Festival Chair Judy Potter welcomed Milsom's appointment, highlighting her understanding of the cultural conversations shaping Australian literature. Potter noted, “Rosemarie is an outstanding advocate for writers,” while Executive Director Julian Hobba expressed confidence in her vision for AWW. Milsom herself emphasized the festival's legacy and her commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for diverse voices.

Rosemarie Milsom Appointed as New Director of Adelaide Writers' Week

Despite Milsom's optimistic outlook, the controversy surrounding Abdel-Fattah's disinvitation remains a sensitive topic. Critics, including former board members and writers, have voiced concerns about the implications of censorship and the need for strong governance to protect artistic expression. Milsom acknowledged the difficulties of her position, stating, “When governance fails, you get what happened in Adelaide.”

The Guardian

Milsom will officially begin her role in mid-May 2026, with AWW scheduled to take place from February 27 to March 4, 2027. The new board has already invited Abdel-Fattah to participate in a gesture of reconciliation, although Milsom has yet to confirm her acceptance. She expressed hope that by 2027, the festival will have moved past its recent controversies, stating, “If you’re still hand-wringing over what happened in 2026, then that’s really on you.”

The Guardian

• “I think if it did, there’d be much more substantial outrage than what happened this year!” — Rosemarie Milsom, New Director of AWW

The Guardian

• “ “You have to know why you do what you do.” — Rosemarie Milsom

The Guardian

• “When governance fails, you get what happened in Adelaide.” — Rosemarie Milsom

The Guardian

This appointment marks a pivotal moment for AWW as it seeks to rebuild its reputation and navigate the complexities of artistic freedom in a politically charged environment.

The Guardian