First Nations poet and editor Evelyn Araluen, immunologist and Nobel laureate Peter Doherty, debut author Amani Haydar, and international bestselling writer Hannah Kent, will be among 100 artists participating in the 2022 Newcastle Writers Festival from April 1 to 3.

Australia’s high vaccination rate means that next year’s program will include interstate artists such as Professor Peter Doherty, who has led the nation’s reopening strategy in response to COVID-19. Festival director Rosemarie Milsom is particularly excited about Hannah Kent’s participation. She will discuss her most recent book Devotion. “Coincidentally, Hannah’s debut book Burial Rights was published in 2013, which is the same year that the inaugural Newcastle Writers Festival was held. I’ve been trying to lure her here nearly every year since!”

The quality of Australian publishing has blossomed in 2021. “The depth of talent is exciting and this has buoyed me amid the uncertainty,” Rosemarie said. “So many of us have turned to books to help us through lockdown and it’s well and truly time we gather to celebrate the power of literature to comfort and sustain us. We also shouldn’t lose sight of its power to challenge us.”

Guest authors Evelyn Araluen (Dropbear) and Amani Haydar (The Mother Wound) have received critical acclaim for their debut books. “I’ve returned to their work a few times this year and I admire their ability to convey harsh truths about pivotal issues,” said Rosemarie. “I can’t wait to listen to them in April.”  

The full festival program will be available on March 4 and tickets go on sale the same day.