A controversial proposal to strip funding from Adelaide's iconic Writers' Week festival has been tabled, sparking a debate about the future of the city's premier literary event. Councillor Alexander Hyde has launched a bid to redirect the event's financial support from the 2026-27 budget, suggesting a more spontaneous 'guerilla festival' model could take its place.
The Motion to Defund a Cultural Institution
The motion, submitted by Councillor Alexander Hyde, specifically targets the Adelaide Writers' Week funding allocated in the Adelaide City Council's draft 2026-27 budget. Hyde argues that the council should not be in the business of funding what he describes as a 'niche' festival. His notice of motion calls for the removal of this budgetary provision, effectively cutting the event's lifeline from the council.
The proposed motion states the council 'does not fund Writers' Week from the 2026-27 budget' and further instructs the administration to explore alternative event delivery models. This bold move directly challenges the long-standing support for one of the world's oldest and most respected literary festivals, a cornerstone of the Adelaide Festival.
A Vision for a 'Guerilla Festival' Alternative
Central to Councillor Hyde's argument is the concept of replacing the structured, council-funded festival with a more organic, decentralised alternative. He has publicly advocated for a 'guerilla festival' where authors and literary enthusiasts would spontaneously organise events in pubs, cafes, and bookshops across the city.
Hyde suggests this model would be more authentic and community-driven, removing the need for significant bureaucratic oversight and taxpayer funding. He believes such an approach could invigorate the local literary scene in unexpected ways, moving away from a centralised, curated program.
Potential Repercussions and Community Response
The potential defunding of Adelaide Writers' Week raises serious questions about the stability and quality of the future festival. The event, which has run for decades, attracts international and local authors, thousands of visitors, and contributes significantly to Adelaide's cultural and economic vitality during the Festival season.
Critics of the motion fear that losing council funding would jeopardise the festival's ability to secure high-profile guests, maintain its free public sessions, and deliver a professionally managed program. The proposal is expected to face significant scrutiny and debate from other councillors, the arts community, and the public when it is formally discussed. The future of one of Adelaide's most beloved cultural events now hangs in the balance as the city contemplates a radical shift in how it celebrates literature.
