Day of the Imprisoned Writer Writing and publishing across cultural fault lines

Commemorating the Day of the Imprisoned Writer, PEN Perth presents publisher and cultural leader Louise Adler in conversation with author and activist Sisonke Msimang.

In this conversation, Louise Adler draws on a lifetime of experience as a leading cultural figure in Australia to explore the pressures and possibilities facing writers, publishers and readers in a society marked by cultural and political fault lines.

At a time when public debate is becoming more polarised, cultural spaces are increasingly contested and the lines between political disagreement and personal identity are harder to navigate, what role can writing and publishing play to keep open the lines of communication across difficult debates? What responsibilities do publishers have in deciding which voices and ideas enter the public conversation? And how do writers retain their autonomy to challenge, unsettle and provoke when the space for disagreement is narrowing?

In a multicultural democracy such as Australia, the ability to disagree, listen and remain in conversation is essential to democratic life.

Come and be part of that conversation – bring your questions, your ideas and your own perspectives to the table. 

Louise Adler

Louise Adler AM

Louise Adler AM is one of Australia’s most influential publishers and literary figures. She was CEO of Melbourne University Publishing for 15 years and has held senior roles across Australian publishing and literary institutions, including as Director of Adelaide Writers’ Week. A passionate advocate for books as a forum for public debate, Adler has consistently championed publishing that engages with ideas, politics and the questions of contemporary society. 

Sisonke Msimang

 

Sisonke Msimang

Sisonke Msimang is a South African–Australian writer, activist and political commentator whose work explores race, gender, democracy and belonging. She is the author of Always Another Country and The Resurrection of Winnie Mandela, and has written for publications including The Guardian and The New York Times. Her experience across activism, storytelling and public debate gives her a distinctive perspective on how writers navigate divided societies. 

This event is supported by the School of Humanities at the University of Western Australia, Centre for Stories and venue partners the State Library of Western Australia.