Singapore Writers Festival returns from Nov 4 with over 200 programmes islandwide

The Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) will return for its 25th edition as a full-scale physical event from Nov 4 to 20.

Organised by Arts House Limited and commissioned by the National Arts Council, the event features more than 200 physical programmes islandwide, with many being held at The Arts House.

SWF is a multilingual festival that presents world literary talents to Singaporeans while “shining a spotlight” on homegrown and Southeast Asian creative talents. International writers making an appearance at the festival include Kass Morgan, the author behind the book series The 100, which went on to become its own show on The CW.

This year’s theme revolves around the word “if”, taking inspiration from Singaporean writer Cyril Wong’s poem “If…Else”. It will feature programmes curated to diverse audiences, including Gen Zs, gamers, comic-lovers and even persons with disabilities.

For example, younger audiences might resonate more with the slate of programmes under the festival’s Youth Fringe, curated “by youths, for youths”. 

In Youth Fringe Keynote with Crystal Abidin, author Crystal Abidin talks about the “ethos and ethics” of social media influencers and popular social media platforms, while Is it On #BookTok? will delve into the impact of social media on the literary scene.

Gamers can look forward to table-top games that were previously Sing Lit texts by Curious Chimeras. Made in collaboration with Singapore Games Association and Jio Play Game, these games aim to provide insights into the gaming industry, gameplay and game writing.

Comic-lovers will not be left out either. Award-winning Indonesian comics writer Is Yuniarto, artist of the Garudayana comics, will talk about adapting Wayang art into the modern age in his Wayang in Modern Mediums lecture. Participants of the Ctrl + Alt + Hist with Benjamin Chee will even get to create comics, zines and narratives with the comics artist of Charsiew Space.

There will also be a discussion and showcase titled What If ‘I’ Is Not Me that builds a platform to strengthen the network of inclusivity with diversity. The showcase is done in collaboration with ART:DIS, a charity dedicated to creating learning and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities in the arts.

The full slate of programmes will be released by Sep 26 on the SWF website.

Tickets can be purchased either as the standard Festival Pass at $24 or the Youth Pass at $12.