Perth Festival is proud to announce an exciting new literature festival will debut in spring 2026.
Taking place on the stunning grounds of The University of Western Australia and across Perth, this new festival will highlight literary brilliance from nations around the Indian Ocean rim, while showcasing WA’s extraordinary talent to the world.
The festival promises to attract international writers, literary enthusiasts, academics, critical thinkers and audiences alike to Perth’s shores. They’ll join their local counterparts to celebrate the rich, interconnected stories that define the Indian Ocean region.
Perth Festival Artistic Director Anna Reece is deeply committed to growing a strong and vibrant arts ecology in Australia.
A passionate advocate for literature and WA’s talented writing community, Reece wants to champion local storytellers while deepening cultural connections.
This special new dedicated event – held outside the annual Perth Festival summer program – is a significant evolution in Perth Festival’s commitment to writers and readers in WA.
Image: Perth Festival Artistic Director Anna Reece .
"The beauty of literature lies in its ability to transcend borders and connect us on a deeply human level," Reece said.
"By creating a dedicated literature festival, we commit to elevating the voices of the Indian Ocean Rim, but also to give our Western Australian writers a dedicated space where their voices can be heard, explored, and celebrated in the depth they deserve.
"It is a focused approach to ensure that literature isn’t just a part of a larger conversation but IS the conversation.
'We’re building a dedicated experience for both writers and readers, with the breathing space to curate a program that is truly reflective of the rich diversity of our region.
"Literature deserves its own moment in the spotlight, particularly in a city like Perth, where our connection to the Indian Ocean is so integral to our identity.
"The Festival will allow us to celebrate these connections in a way that’s distinct, meaningful, and deeply rooted in the literary traditions of our neighbouring countries."
This latest direction starts an exciting new chapter in Perth Festival’s long-standing history of celebrating literature with the support of Perth Festival’s founder and ongoing partner, The University of Western Australia.
UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma said the University was delighted to partner with Perth Festival to host such a significant cultural event.
"As the only Australian capital city located within the Indian Ocean Rim, Perth has an important role to play in fostering cultural and literary exchange within the region," Professor Chakma said.
"This event will not only showcase the incredible diversity of literary voices from around the region, it will also reinforce Perth’s identity as a thriving cultural hub within the global community."
Western Australian Minister for Culture and the Arts David Templeman said the new festival will be a welcome addition to WA’s cultural calendar.
"This is an exciting development and will provide an important platform for literature in WA. Congratulations to Perth Festival on this initiative – it is wonderful to see literature valued and celebrated this way."
Having previously collaborated on literature programs with industry leaders Writing WA, the announcement of a new dedicated festival has been welcomed by the sector.
'"This bold new initiative by Perth Festival and Artistic Director Anna Reece signals a profound commitment to, and investment in, Western Australia’s rich literary culture and the continuing legacy of our First Storytellers," said Writing WA CEO Will Yeoman.
"Furthermore, to have our homegrown harmonies intertwine with the other sonorous voices and cultures of the Indian Ocean Rim in such a joyous communal celebration can only result in stronger, more authentic and more imaginative regional relationships."
Further details on the new literature festival will be announced in 2025.