Adelaide has always had a way of rallying around when something causes joint outrage, and that spirit has come to life around the cancellation of Adelaide Writers Week. We’ve seen new initiatives emerge, including Writers SA’s Constellations Festival and now, another literary event has entered the conversation.
The Independent Arts Foundation of South Australia will present Writers and Poets in the Garden, an intimate afternoon bringing together local writers, poets and readers for conversation, connection and shared stories.
Running from 2–5 pm on Wednesday, March 5, the event will unfold in the leafy surrounds of Treasury 1860, right in the heart of the city. Presented in partnership with award-winning Adelaide producer Joanne Hartstone, the event is designed as a relaxed, welcoming gathering, the kind Adelaide does best.
“This is what South Australia does,” Joanne said. “We get together and we make something happen.”
“This pop-up event feels like a special response to a tricky situation.”
The session will be compered by much-loved columnist and author Peter Goers, with the discussion chaired by journalist Tory Shepherd. Together, they’ll guide a conversation that moves easily between memoir, poetry and investigative storytelling.
Taking to the stage is author, celebrant and acclaimed actor Tracy Crisp, appearing with her new book Pearls: Memoir Strands, published by Pink Shorts Press. Crisp is also known for Black Dust Dancing and the stage work Surrogate, adapted with Emily Hart.
She’ll be joined by author and journalist Walter Marsh, whose new Scribe release The Butterfly Thief explores adventure, empire and Australia’s greatest museum heist. Marsh is also the author of Young Rupert, charting the early rise of Rupert Murdoch.
Poet, author and teacher Jude Aquilina completes the lineup. With four poetry collections published by Wakefield Press, Aquilina will also share insights from Chronicle: The First 50 Years of Friendly Street, the historic collection she has recently edited.
Independent Arts Foundation of SA Chair Jane Angel said giving local authors a platform has always been their motivation.
“The IAF members are keen to support a grass-roots endeavour to create a platform for ideas and conversations – and we are delighted to be partnering with Joanne Hartstone and Treasury 1860 to make this happen.”
The appetite for these kinds of gatherings is clear, with the Foundation’s upcoming event featuring 2026 Writers’ Week headliner Jane Caro already sold out.
WRITERS AND POETS IN THE GARDEN
When: March 5, 2-5 pm
Where: 144 King William Street
For more info and tickets, click here.
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