UNSW has strengthened its affiliation with the Sydney Writers' Festival, becoming a major partner of the iconic literary event.

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences initiated the first university partnership with the SWF in 2010.

“We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with the Festival,” said FASS Dean, Professor James Donald.  

“The Festival and the University are both committed to creativity and critical thinking.  We both operate on a global scale with a cosmopolitan perspective and make a real contribution to Sydney's intellectual vivacity and literary culture. We are looking forward to taking part in another thought-provoking program.”

Various UNSW academics will be panellists at the Festival which runs from May 14 -20, attracting over 300 writers and 80,000 visitors annually.

Associate Professor David McKnight, in conversation with ABC TV's Jonathan Holmes, will discuss his book Rupert Murdoch – An Investigation of Political Power. 

McKnight will also join ABC presenter Mark Colvin and journalist Robert Manne in a panel about journalistic ethics.

Professor Jill Bennett, Dr Edward Scheer and Professor Stephen Muecke will discuss art writing and performance, and UNSW graduate Mette Jackobsen will explore fairytales, folklore and fantasy with internationally acclaimed author Margo Lanagan.

UNSWriting will host a Festival event with author Jesmyn Ward where she will discuss her novel, Salvage the Bones, winner of the 2011 National Book Award for Fiction in the US.

The UNSWriting series is presented by the School of the Arts and Media.

Media contact: Fran Strachan | 9385 8732 | 0429 416 070