Constellations at the Exchange

Step into the historic Exchange Building for a day of inspiration. A community gathering to celebrate the enduring power of literature.

Writers SA presents Untold: Publishing against the grain

Publishers mediate a big slice of the public conversation - deciding what stories will reach readers and what will remain languishing on a hard drive. This panel of publishers, editors, and writers discuss the fight to bring stories that urgently need to be told to light and the challenges often encountered along the way. 

10.00 to 11.00am

Participants: Alisa Ahmed, Hardie Grant Publishing, Michael Bollen, Wakefield Press and Sara Haddad. Chair Farrin Foster Splinter Journal

Blooming Bodies, Wisdom Gained: Maxine Beneba Clarke on beautiful changelings

As a woman of Afro-Caribbean descent, Maxine Beneba Clark has always demanded witness and procured celebration. With a voice both generous and fierce, and ever-musical, she is one of Australia’s most beloved writers. Join award-winning Iraqi writer Lur Alghurabi for an intimate discussion with Maxine Beneba Clarke about her seventh book of poetry, beautiful changelings.

11:30am to 12.20pm

Participants: Maxine Beneba Clarke, Lur Alghurabi

Friendly Street Poets celebrate 50 years

Welcome a panel of Friendly Street poets, as they launch Chronicle their vibrant history publication, and relate colourful stories from the hippie '70s to present day, along with readings of some of the best poetry presented at the longest-running, un-censored open mic in Australia.

1:00 to 2:00pm

Participants: Jeri Kroll, Rory Harris, Susan O’Brien and Chair Jude Aquilina

Writers SA presents Read SA: Plus one

A cohort of South Australia's most exciting writers introduce you to the writing they love. A line-up of lauded writers from across the genre spectrum present a series of paired live readings. Each author will read from their latest work along with that of another SA writer.

2.45 to 3.45pm

Participants: Adam Cece, Carol Lefevre, Jennifer Mills, Jessica White, Olivia De Zilva, Susan Betts. Chair Michelle Prak

Writers SA presents Read SA: History, truth and fiction

What does a writer owe to history? Is the truth necessary or even fixed? Join a group of writers who navigate the tides of truth and history while crafting their stories for a discussion on how they ensure their narratives always ring with a sense of the real.

4.30 to 5.30pm

Participants: Georgia Rose Phillips, Hossein Asgari, Lyn Dickens, Nicholas Jose, Walter Marsh. Chair Courtney Jaye

Pink Shorts Press presents: Resistance and Adoration

What is stronger: love or protest? Be roused and charmed in turn, as local authors from independent publisher Pink Shorts Press read non-romantic letters of adoration and outraged letters of resistance, and consider what role books can play in creating change, building connections and finding levity in dark times.

6:15 to 7:15pm

Participants: Alex Cothren, Margaret Merrilees, Olivia De Zilva, Tracy Crisp.

Please contact us with any access requirements, including AUSLAN services.

Booking Tickets - You will need to register for each event individually.

If you would like to donate to Constellations: Not Writers' Week, please scan the below QR code.