The 2023 NT Writers Festival returns to Mparntwe/Alice Springs in beautiful Arrernte Country for four days of talks, readings and immersive events celebrating story, language, ideas and culture shaped by place. Bringing people together to share stories, NT Writers Festival connects the best of NT writing with diverse voices from across the country.

This year join a brilliant line-up of writers and thinkers as they explore the theme of mwantye-le awaye | listen deeply. In Larrakia, balarr means ‘to light up’ or ‘to become light’. In the Top End, in Saltwater Country, we are surrounded by spectacular displays of light – radiant sunsets, glistening waterfalls, dramatic lightning storms. To catch the light is both a pursuit and a fleeting moment that might only briefly illuminate the darkness. In times of multiple crises – ecological, political, social – how can we find, and hold onto, glimmers of hope? How can we shed light on those parts of the past that have been forgotten or concealed? And what sparks might inspire a brighter future?

NT Writers Festival 2023 is taking place at the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT and other special venues around Garrmalang | Darwin. The full program goes on sale in mid-May, but keep an eye out on our social and website for line-up announcements, early bird passes and special offers.