Learn about the MWF 2026 First Nations Curators who have shaped events across this year’s festival. Each curator shares a distinct vision and perspective - uniquely grounded in culture, story, and community. Browse their events and be taken on a powerful journey of discovery.
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Welcome to MWF 2026
Meet our First Nations Curators
Celebrating 40 years
A message from our Festival Director
Since 1986, MWF has been shaped and sustained by countless visions. Whether contributing as artists, audiences, volunteers or supporters – many hands, hearts, pens and minds have forged the festival’s legacy.
MWF's special 40th anniversary program is inspired by the theme Visions & Revisions. This year, we celebrate of the visionary power of writers and storytellers to shape our world and their dedication to the creative process.
Hear from Festival Director Veronica Sullivan about the MWF 2026 festival theme, Visions & Revisons, MWF's 40th anniversary festival, and special highlight events. Read more.
MWF Memories
To celebrate our 40th anniversary, we're gathering memories from the incredible community who has helped to build, shape and sustain MWF.
Simply tell us your favourite MWF memory and go in the draw for a chance to win a double pass to our Opening Night event on Thursday 7 May. Enter below
In 2008, MWF gifted my sister and I the joy of listening to a poetry reading in the beautiful St Paul's Cathedral. It was magical.
Anonymous
I often retell stories from the 'Translation Slam' you guys hosted last winter. As a multilinguist, it was one of the most interesting talks I've ever been to.
Lucy
I took my 13 year old daughter, as a surprise, to see Jessica Townsend speak. And to meet her after and get a signed copy of her new book was the greatest joy of my daughter’s life!
Jo
Give today, inspire tomorrow
Melbourne Writers Festival is only made possible thanks to your support. Join our community of donors by making a tax-deductible donation to MWF today.
We respectfully acknowledge that Melbourne Writers Festival takes place on the traditional lands of the peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.