20th Anniversary Celebration: The Ubud Writers Festival Returns with a Profound Theme in 2023
The Ubud Writers Festival 2023 (UWRF), one of Southeast Asia’s most esteemed literary festivals, has just announced its return for its 20th-anniversary edition, scheduled from 18 to 22 October 2023.
To commemorate this significant milestone while addressing the current global state, this year’s festival adopts an aptly contemplative theme:
Atita, Wartamana, Anagata – the Past, the Present, and the Future
inspired by the Balinese concept of time, Tri Semaya. With multifaceted crises like global conflicts and climate change, humanity stands at a pivotal crossroads.
Distinguished Speakers: Highlights of the Ubud Writers Festival 2023
To engage the audience in thoughtful discussions through literature and the arts, the festival will feature visionary and prominent speakers such as the fearless environmental defender Vandana Shiva, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and investigative journalist Geraldine Brooks, Booker Prize-winning author of Girl, Woman, Other, Bernadine Evaristo, Geetanjali Shree, 2022 Booker Prize winner Shehan Karunatilaka, and journalist, human rights defender, writer, and film producer Behrouz Boochani.
The Festival artwork, created by Indonesia’s living legend, senior journalist, poet, essayist, novelist, visual artist, and pro-democracy activist Goenawan Mohamad, will also be a highlight of the festival.
Celebrating Indonesian Literary Excellence
Additionally, the festival will showcase internationally-acclaimed Indonesian authors like Leila S. Chudori, whose novels have been translated into English, the latest being The Sea Speaks His Name, published by Penguin Random House Southeast Asia in 2020. Another prominent figure is author and scholar Intan Paramaditha, whose books have been translated into English under the titles Apple and Knife and The Wandering, both published by Harvill Secker.
Immersive Writing Retreat and Festival Magic Await!
Excitingly, The Ubud Writers Festival 2023 also launches its writing retreat from 15 October to 22 October. Held in the lush grounds of the 5-star Plataran Resort & Spa, this immersive three-day writing adventure will be led by renowned novelists Louise Doughty, Jill Dawson, Kathryn Heyman, and Kate Pullinger.
Following this retreat, participants will experience four days of festival magic, including the exclusive opening Gala, dinner at Casa Luna hosted by Janet De Neefe, and much more.
The Ubud Writers Festival 2023 is set amidst the mesmerizing and mystical landscape of Ubud, Bali’s cultural capital. The Festival aims to be an intellectual and creative oasis, providing a safe space for speakers and audiences alike to express themselves through literature and the arts.
A Literary Oasis in Bali’s Heart
The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF) has always been more than just a gathering of wordsmiths and book lovers. It’s a celebration of the human spirit, a vibrant tapestry of cultures, and a platform for dialogue on the pressing issues of our times.
As UWRF marks its 20th anniversary, it does so with a profound theme that encapsulates the essence of its journey: “Atita, Wartamana, Anagata – the Past, the Present, and the Future.” This theme, inspired by the Balinese concept of time, Tri Semaya, couldn’t be more fitting for a world standing at a pivotal crossroads.
The Ubud Writers Festival’s return promises to be a memorable one in 2023, with a lineup of distinguished speakers who are set to ignite insightful conversations.
National & International Author’s come together
From environmental defender Vandana Shiva to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks and Booker Prize-winning novelist Bernadine Evaristo, the stage is set for intellectual exploration and artistic inspiration.
Adding to the festival’s allure is the artwork of Goenawan Mohamad, a living legend whose work spans journalism, poetry, essays, novels, and visual art. His creations promise to be a visual feast and a source of contemplation.
Indonesian Writers
But the Ubud Writers Festival 2023 isn’t just about international luminaries; it also celebrates Indonesian literary excellence.
Leila S. Chudori and Intan Paramaditha, two renowned Indonesian authors, will share their work, bridging the gap between cultures through the power of storytelling.
Writing Retreat offered by Ubud Writers Festival 2023
For those seeking a deeper immersion, their writing retreat offers a unique opportunity to refine their craft under the guidance of accomplished novelists.
Set amidst the lush grounds of the 5-star Plataran Resort & Spa, this retreat is a prelude to the festival’s magic. From the exclusive opening Gala to a dinner at Casa Luna hosted by Janet De Neefe, the retreat participants will be treated to an unforgettable experience.
More details here ubudwritersfestival.com/retreat
Conclusion
The Ubud Writers Festival 2023 is not just an event; it’s an intellectual and creative oasis nestled in the mesmerizing and mystical landscape of Ubud, Bali’s cultural capital. It’s a space where voices from diverse backgrounds converge, where minds are nourished, and where art flourishes. Join us in this celebration of literature, arts, and the human spirit.
Join us at the Ubud Writers Festival 2023 and connect with significant authors. See you there!
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For more details about the program, visit ubudwritersfestival.com/program/
To explore ticket options, go to ubudwritersfestival.com/tickets .
To learn more about the Writing Retreat, visit ubudwritersfestival.com/retreat.
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