Source : PERTHNOW NEWS
Armadale libraries will host five days of free literary events, bringing award-winning authors, writers and industry experts together to tackle everything from artificial intelligence to freedom of expression.
The Armadale Writers’ Festival is returning for its ninth year, with the program exploring pressing issues in the writing industry, including the impact of artificial intelligence and freedom to read and write.
From September 7 to 11, Armadale libraries will host writers, academics, editors and storytellers offering insights into the evolving Australian literary landscape.
The festival will begin with an address from award-winning Wirlomin Noongar writer Claire G. Coleman, titled Freedom to Read and Write.
She will explore division, cancellations, closures and books being withdrawn or pulped.
Ms Coleman will then join author and founder of The Writers’ Collective Rashida Murphy and photographer, journalist and writer Mohammed Massoud Morsi for the Power of Story and Writing for Change panel, chaired by Centre for Stories’ Nadia Heisler.
The second day will bring writers and experts together to examine the tense relationship between artificial intelligence and creative work.
UWA Language Lab director and deputy chair of UWA’s Generative AI Think Tank Celeste Rodriguez Louro, writer and critic Richard King, researcher Dr Sanna Peden and Ms Coleman will discuss how authors’ work is used to train AI, the rise of AI-generated content and whether AI can be useful without damaging human creators.
Other events throughout the week include performance poetry, historical fiction workshops with author Bernice Barry, and insights into how reconciliation can be achieved through storytelling from journalist and author Molly Schmidt.
Fremantle Press senior editor Rachel Hanson will also share her real-world experience of the publishing industry.
Armadale mayor Ruth Butterfield said the program’s diversity was important for locals to experience.
“You might come because you love books, because you are working on your own writing, or simply because one of these topics has made you curious,” she said.
“The festival is an opportunity to hear from some fascinating people, perhaps have your thinking challenged a little, and come away with a new idea or perspective.
“There are some big and very current topics on the program, and people don’t need to be writers themselves to come along and be part of them.”
Bookings for the free events are essential online.
