The Words and Ideas Program has been a key feature of the Woodend Winter Arts Festival since its first inception 18 years ago.
Curated by pioneering author Don Watson, this year’s program promises to be as captivating as ever, as leading luminaries discuss challenging contemporary issues such as the clean energy challenge, climate catastrophe, pandemics, peace and war. Along with a lively discussion on politics, media and democracy.
Headliners include seasoned journalists, fascinating authors, international relations experts, political advisors, climate leaders, a Nobel prize winner and more.
The Woodend Community Centre will host a series of thought-provoking discussions over the four days of the festival, which runs over the King’s Birthday long weekend, from June 9-12.
Highlights on the Saturday include a discussion on the climate catastrophe with two of Australia’s leading experts on climate change. Join Lauren Rickards and Jamie Button as they discuss what the scientific truth of the matter is and how long we’ve got, along with what a ‘renewable’ Australia might look like.
On the Sunday, Nobel prize winner Peter Doherty will join award-winning journalist and author Christine Keneally to discuss how the pandemic has shaped our lives and what we can expect in the future.
Later in the day, political adviser and journalist Jim Middleton will join forces with international relations expert Nick Bisley for a lively discussion on modern day peace and war and whether the world is headed for a new cold war, or perhaps a hot one?
On the final day of WWAF, the Sheila Drummond Memorial will see three of Australia’s most influential journalists lead a lively discussion on politics, media and democracy.
Join George Megalagenis, Sean Kelly and Sally Warhaft as they chat about rampant lies, conspiracy theories, fake news, deepening tribalism, and fashionable fascisms. They’ll also address the questions of how we can ensure faith in democratic institutions, including the media, and who how we can invigorate Australian democracy.
Check out the full WWAF program online now at woodendwinterartsfestival.org.au. Tickets are on sale and selling fast.
