Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2024: Line Up, Speakers, & Ticket
by Dijiwa Sanctuaries
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2024: Line Up, Speakers, & Ticket
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2024 -The Mudra Swari Saraswati Foundation recently announced the return of the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF) for its 21st edition, set for October 23-27, 2024, in Ubud, Bali. This time, the festival features the theme "Satyam Vada Dharmam Chara: Speak the Truth, Practice Kindness," inspired by the ancient Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, which emphasizes the importance of truth and kindness as essential human virtues.
According to Janet DeNeefe, Founder and Director of UWRF, this theme is highly relevant in today's world, where societal changes and global challenges persist. She also pointed out, "This year, we will present programs that explore how words and ideas shape public discourse, influence societal norms, and how writers can reinforce the values of truth and kindness in a world that often moves in the opposite direction."
Festival Theme & Artwork
The theme "Satyam Vada Dharmam Chara" is deeply connected to the Balinese Hindu philosophical concept of Tri Pramana, which represents three essential human powers: Bayu (life), Sabda (speech), and Idep (thought). Additionally, this festival theme highlights how achieving harmony in thinking, speaking, and acting can create balance in human life.
In keeping with this theme, UWRF will showcase works from writers who have significantly influenced modern literature, highlighting the role of words in shaping society. Moreover, in an era of rapid technological advancements and constant information flow, the festival encourages reflection on the power of literature to navigate today’s global challenges.
UWRF 2024 Headline Speakers
The lineup of headline speakers for UWRF 2024 has now been revealed, featuring prominent names from both Indonesia and around the world. Among the international speakers, some notable figures include:
- Amitav Ghosh, award-winning Indian author.
- Aube Rey Lescure, Chinese-French-American writer and 2024 Women’s Prize for Fiction nominee.
- Nam Le, Vietnamese-born Australian writer.
- Bora Chung, 2022 International Booker Prize nominee.
- Ali Cobby Eckermann, Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal poet and author.
On the Indonesian side, the festival will host:
- Ayu Utami, renowned activist and author.
- Agustinus Wibowo, travel writer and journalist.
- Ratih Kumala, author of the Netflix-adapted novel "Gadis Kretek."
- Oka Rusmini, Balinese writer and recipient of the 2012 S.E.A. Write Award.
- Seno Gumira Ajidarma, a distinguished figure known for the credo "When journalism is silenced, literature must speak."
Creative Collaborations: Writing and Visual Arts
Source : ubudwriters
This year, UWRF partnered with the Australasia Association of Writing Programs (AAWP) to introduce several exciting programs, including the Emerging Writers' Prizes for Prose and Poetry, open to aspiring writers from Australasia. Furthermore, the Translators’ Prize welcomes submissions from translators at all stages of their careers. Writers and translators interested in participating should submit their works by June 30, 2024, with more information available on the official UWRF website.
In addition, the festival will feature a creative contribution from Australian-Indonesian visual artist Ida Lawrence, known for her unique style that blends stories and paintings. Her works, filled with vibrant colors, textures, and patterns, vividly portray the festival's theme in Sanskrit, adding a visual dimension to the event.
Book Launch Program
As in previous years, UWRF will once again host the Book Launch Program, providing a platform for Indonesian and international authors to introduce their latest works. In addition to this, the program offers event venues along with opportunities for networking, marketing, and hospitality services. Since its inception in 2018, this program has helped hundreds of emerging and established writers thrive in the literary world. Moreover, the registration deadline for the Book Launch Program is June 30, 2024, with more details available on the UWRF website.
Participation of Young Indonesian Writers
This year, 10 young Indonesian writers have been selected through a rigorous process to participate in UWRF 2024. The following are the selected writers:
- Ade Mulyono (Tegal, Central Java)
- Adibah L. Najam (Gowa, South Sulawesi)
- Arif Kurniawan (Ketapang, West Kalimantan)
- R. D. Pandia (Padang, West Sumatra)
- Cecilia Okuy (Rokan Hulu, North Sumatra)
- Goelarah R. (Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands)
- Kurnia Gusti Sawiji (Tangerang, Banten)
- Mega Andriwati (Sidoarjo, East Java)
- Miranda Setiawan (Kandangan, South Kalimantan)
- Nanda Winar Saiga (Tangerang, Aceh)
The selection process, which ran from January 8 to February 29, received 1,347 submissions from 494 writers across Indonesia. After two rounds of selection, 10 writers were chosen to have their works published by the Sayang Sayang Foundation, the organizer of UWRF. Additionally, one of the finalists, Faisal Oddang, expressed his gratitude for being selected and hopes to bring new inspiration to the literary world.
Writers’ Retreat: An Exclusive Writing Experience
Source : ubudwriters
As part of UWRF 2024, the festival will also offer a Writers’ Retreat, a three-day writing adventure led by award-winning Australian author Laura Jean McKay. Scheduled to run from October 20-27 at The Hava Ubud, the retreat gives participants a unique opportunity to enhance their writing skills. Following this, after three days of immersive writing, attendees can enjoy four days of festival magic, including invitations to exclusive events such as the Gala Opening, dinners with writers, and cocktail gatherings under the stars with publishers and fellow writers.
In her remarks, Laura Jean McKay expressed her excitement, saying, "I am beyond thrilled to be leading the Writers’ Retreat this year, and I can't wait to share my love for words and writing in one of the most beautiful places in the world." Additionally, Janet DeNeefe highlighted that this retreat will be a life-changing experience for those looking to ignite their creative spark.
Join UWRF 2024 and Enjoy the Finest Hospitality in Ubud
All the information in the article comes from the official Ubud Writers & Readers Festival website. For further details on the daily schedule, ticket options, and the full lineup of speakers, visit the official Ubud Writers & Readers Festival website at ubudwritersfestival.com. Moreover, the site provides a complete guide to events, including panel discussions, workshops, and performances, allowing you to easily plan your festival experience.
If you’re seeking accommodation, Dijiwa Sanctuaries offers luxurious stays in Ubud, including Arkamara Dijiwa Ubud, Beehouse Dijiwa Ubud, and Blue Karma Dijiwa Ubud. Visit dijiwasanctuaries.com for more information.
