The founder of the Bendigo Writers Festival, Rosemary Sorensen, has condemned recent efforts by the festival’s organisers to limit discussion and debate at this year’s event, calling it an “authoritarian abuse of power.” Sorensen, who established the festival in 2012 after relocating to the regional goldfields city, expressed her concerns following the release of a controversial “code of conduct” that aimed to restrict participants from using language deemed “inflammatory, divisive, or disrespectful.”
The Bendigo Writers Festival, which took place from September 29 to October 1, 2023, faced significant backlash after the code was sent to participants. Over 50 writers withdrew from the event in protest, leading to the cancellation of the opening night and the departure of independent retailer Bookish as a book-selling partner. The fallout has raised questions about the role of artistic expression and free speech in literary forums.
Sorensen, who continues to contribute to Independent Australia as an arts writer, reacted with shock upon learning of the directive. “How could such a letter – which is so inflammatory, divisive, and disrespectful – be sent out to writers?” she questioned. As the magnitude of the situation settled in, she described her feelings of “despairing, angry shock.”
Many have interpreted the directive as a calculated attempt to suppress discourse surrounding Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which were prompted by Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023. Additionally, critics argue that adherence to the code could have inhibited discussions on a wide array of sensitive topics, including issues of sexual abuse and violence against women and children.
The controversy surrounding the Bendigo Writers Festival has sparked a broader dialogue about censorship in the arts and the responsibilities of organisers in fostering a space for open dialogue. Sorensen’s criticisms highlight the tensions between maintaining respectful discourse and allowing for the free exchange of ideas, particularly on contentious subjects.
As the festival concludes, the implications of this incident may resonate beyond Bendigo, prompting discussions about the boundaries of artistic expression and the importance of debate in literary circles.
