Vancouver Writers Fest

writersfest.bc.ca

The Vancouver Writers Fest encourages readers of all ages to explore the power of storytelling and books through year-round programming with local and international writers. This also includes its flagship annual literary Festival in mid-October each year: one of the largest and most prestigious in North America. Tens of thousands of readers visit the cultural hub of Granville Island and venues around Vancouver to connect with local and international authors during this week-long event.

Throughout the year, Vancouver Writers Fest also offers free and paid events with established and emerging authors, in addition to youth education opportunities, writing contests and workshops, and other exciting programming, such as its free reading series at the Vancouver Public Library, Incite, which runs from January–May each year.

The mission of Vancouver Writers Fest is connecting people to exceptional books, ideas, and dialogue through programming that ignites a passion for words and the world around us. Its vision is a world in which the transformative power of books and ideas is the foundation of an empathetic, inspired, and just society. The fest’s stages shine a light on human experiences, challenge personal perspectives, and build empathy.

The Festival was inaugurated in 1988 by founding Artistic Director Alma Lee. Artistic Directors have included Alma Lee, Hal Wake, and Leslie Hurtig.

Highlighted guests from the past have included award-winning writers from Canada and across the world including: Zadie Smith, Margaret Atwood, David Mitchell, Madeleine Thien, Marlon James, Malcolm Gladwell, Roxane Gay, David Sedaris, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Esi Edugyan, Alice Munro, Salman Rushdie, Rachel Kushner, Kevin Kwan, Kate Atkinson, Ian McEwan, Thomas King, Naomi Klein, Ian Rankin, Marilynne Robinson, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and many more.

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