Island Readers & Writers Festival

Island Readers & Writers Festival A vibrant five-day celebration of literature, story-telling and creating connection, taking place in the heart of Nipaluna/Hobart from 28 May–1 June 2026

A few final moments from the inaugural Island Readers & Writers Festival.Over five days, readers, writers, artists, stud...
04/06/2026

A few final moments from the inaugural Island Readers & Writers Festival.

Over five days, readers, writers, artists, students, educators and audiences came together across Nipaluna/Hobart to share stories, ideas and conversation.

From workshops and school programs to in-conversations, readings, performances and panels, the festival was filled with moments of curiosity, creativity and connection.

Thank you to every writer, artist, moderator, volunteer, bookseller, teacher, partner, supporter and audience member who helped bring it to life. This festival was built by many hands, minds and hearts, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who helped make it possible.

As we look back on these moments, we’re proud of what was created together and excited for what comes next.

📷 Alastair Bett Photography

Island Readers & Writers Festival
28 May - 1 Jun 2026
Nipaluna / Hobart

Between sessions, conversations and book signings, stories found another way to come alive 📖Throughout the weekend, audi...
02/06/2026

Between sessions, conversations and book signings, stories found another way to come alive 📖

Throughout the weekend, audiences gathered throughout The Hedberg to enjoy our free Live Reads series.

While books were being signed on the landing above and coffees poured below in the Hedberg Café, listeners paused for a moment to hear Tasmanian writers read from their latest works, bringing pages to life in the heart of the festival.

📷 Alastair Bett Photography

Island Readers & Writers Festival
28 May - 1 Jun 2026
Nipaluna / Hobart

While our stages have been filled with extraordinary conversations and ideas, some of the most memorable moments of the ...
31/05/2026

While our stages have been filled with extraordinary conversations and ideas, some of the most memorable moments of the festival have happened in the spaces between.

A new connection made over coffee. A workshop participant finding the courage to share their work. A classroom full of students building worlds, crafting characters and discovering new ways to tell stories. Quiet conversations, shared inspiration and creative sparks that will last long after the festival ends.

With one day still to go, we’re pausing to celebrate the workshops, masterclasses, school events and countless connections that have made the inaugural Island Readers & Writers Festival so special.

What have been your favourite moments so far?

📷 Alastair Bett Photography

Island Readers & Writers Festival
28 May - 1 Jun 2026
Nipaluna / Hobart

Tonight, comics stepped off the page and onto the stage 🎨📚Comics Live brought together an extraordinary lineup of comic ...
29/05/2026

Tonight, comics stepped off the page and onto the stage 🎨📚

Comics Live brought together an extraordinary lineup of comic artists, graphic novelists, illustrators and storytellers for an evening of live readings, animation, performance and conversation at Bevs.

The audience was taken on a journey from laugh-out-loud moments and fascinating natural history to moving reflections on family, place, grief, resistance and belonging. Along the way, they were treated to unpublished work, behind-the-scenes insights into creative practice, and stories that could only be told through the powerful combination of words and images.

Featuring Joshua Santospirito, Shaun Tan, Tony Thorne, Alyssa Bermudez, Lucy Adelaide, Kay Kudelka and Peter Hay, the evening showcased the remarkable breadth, creativity and emotional depth of contemporary comics and graphic storytelling.

A huge thank you to the artists who shared their work so generously, and to everyone who joined us for an extraordinary evening of stories, art and conversation.

📷 Alastair Bett Photography

Island Readers & Writers Festival
28 May - 1 Jun 2026
Nipaluna / Hobart

Future novelists, poets, playwrights and storytellers in the making 📚Today, students from across southern Tasmania gathe...
29/05/2026

Future novelists, poets, playwrights and storytellers in the making 📚

Today, students from across southern Tasmania gathered at The Forest for a day of writing workshops and masterclasses as part of the Island Readers & Writers Festival.

Exploring everything from character creation and dialogue to action scenes, world building and finding their own creative process, students spent the day learning from some of our country's finest storytellers and industry professionals.

Thank you to the students and teachers who joined us and helped fill the space with creativity, curiosity and imagination. We can't wait to see where your stories take you next ✍️

📷 Alastair Bett Photography

Island Readers & Writers Festival
28 May - 1 Jun 2026
Nipaluna / Hobart

And we are away! ✨Tonight, the inaugural Island Readers & Writers Festival officially opened its doors, marking the begi...
28/05/2026

And we are away! ✨

Tonight, the inaugural Island Readers & Writers Festival officially opened its doors, marking the beginning of five days of stories, ideas, conversations and connection across Nipaluna/Hobart.

We were honoured to begin the evening with a poignant welcome from Professor Greg Lehman, followed by reflections from Kate Mackie on behalf of Creative Tasmania. Island Magazine Editorial Manager Jane Rawson then introduced the newly launched Issue 178, with Board Chair Mike McClusky guiding the evening as host.

The festival’s first audience event then saw Jane Longhurst in conversation with Katherine Scholes and Heather Rose, setting the tone for the thoughtful discussions and storytelling still to come across the weekend.

What a special way to begin. Thank you to everyone who joined us tonight – we are so excited to continue the conversation across the festival weekend ahead.

📷 Alastair Bett Photography

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Sandy Bay, TAS

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