Writing and Publishing Across Cultural Fault Lines
Commemorating the Day of the Imprisoned Writer, PEN Perth presents publisher and cultural leader Louise Adler in conversation with author and activist Sisonke Msimang.

In this conversation, Louise Adler draws on a lifetime of experience as a leading cultural figure in Australia to explore the pressures and possibilities facing writers, publishers and readers in a society marked by cultural and political fault lines.

At a time when public debate is becoming more polarised, cultural spaces are increasingly contested and the lines between political disagreement and personal identity are harder to navigate, what role can writing and publishing play to keep open the lines of communication across difficult debates? What responsibilities do publishers have in deciding which voices and ideas enter the public conversation? And how do writers retain their autonomy to challenge, unsettle and provoke when the space for disagreement is narrowing?

In a multicultural democracy such as Australia, the ability to disagree, listen and remain in conversation is essential to democratic life.

Come and be part of that conversation – bring your questions, your ideas and your own perspectives to the table.

Thursday 12 November 2026, 6–7 pm
State Library Theatre, Perth

Tickets: $33 full; $22 members and concession; $11 unwaged and students.

Book tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/day-of-the-imprisoned-writer-cultural-fault-lines

This event is supported by the School of Humanities at the University of Western Australia, Centre for Stories and Venue Partners the State Library of Western Australia.