At the end of last year, Singapore bid adieu to the 26th edition of Singapore Writers Festival (SWF). With its culmination, the festival left an indelible mark that went beyond the confines of a traditional literary gathering. Boasting around 200 meticulously curated events, the festival not only catered to avid bookworms but also individuals from diverse walks of life, marking a paradigm shift in the way literature is celebrated and experienced.
Singapore, often hailed for its unwavering support of the arts and culture, stands as a beacon among nations. Mirroring practices of Asian counterparts like Taiwan and South Korea, Singapore's government invests substantially in the arts and culture each year to shape personal and national identities. SWF, being one of the world's few multilingual literary festivals, not only celebrates global literati but also showcases homegrown and regional talents on a grand stage.
Organised by Arts House Limited (AHL) and commissioned by the National Arts Council (NAC), SWF 2023 unfolded under the theme "Plot Twist." This theme was not merely a catchy phrase but a guiding principle that encouraged festivalgoers to open their minds to unconventional narratives and diverse experiences. The festival offered an exhilarating experience with around 200 events, both free and ticketed, catering to a wide array of interests, including panel discussions, workshops, performances, and exhibitions. The programmes were spread out over six arts spaces, including two national monuments -- The Arts House, a multidisciplinary arts centre, and Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall, a heritage building that is home to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. The theme "Plot Twist" was apparent in unconventional offerings such as a 50th-anniversary hip-hop series, a fusion of combat sports and storytelling, an exploration of punk rock and poetry, and even literary-themed walking tours.
Pooja Nansi, SWF festival director, articulated the festival's ethos, stating: "I believe the event should offer us the opportunity to encounter unexpected points of view to re-examine our own beliefs. After all, books are where we go to expand, to challenge our capacity for empathy, curiosity, complexity, and to learn about people in places and thoughts different from our own.
"This year we thought it'd be fun to do something like a small series of programmes, celebrating art in various categories, like the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and how connected it is to poetry. And of course, punk rock and poetry have a long history, but not everyone is necessarily aware of it. So, I think that's why the programme was really fun," Nansi said.
Pooja Nansi, Singapore Writers Festival director. DEBBIE Y.
A standout event at SWF was the opening debate, where ChatGPT, an advanced AI language model, took a stance on the proposition side and argued for "This House Believes AI is the Better Writer". Aligned with the festival's "Plot Twist" theme, the debate explored the uncharted territory of AI's potential to rival human imagination. The inclusion of ChatGPT brought a touch of irony, seamlessly blending technology with the traditional art of storytelling.
SWF 2023 featured approximately 260 local and international presenters. The festival also welcomed an impressive line-up of Singapore-based writers, including moderators, and 40 esteemed authors and guest speakers from 17 countries. Among the luminaries was Jack Edwards, the internet's most celebrated resident librarian and a British YouTuber. Edwards is renowned for his witty and relatable book reviews that have taken social media by storm. He attracted a crowd of young students, demonstrating the festival's ability to infuse a renewed passion for reading. It is also incredible to see how this young influencer has reignited a passion for reading among his audience through his YouTube channel.
Fans of Pulitzer Prize-winner Viet Thanh Nguyen from the United States also eagerly snapped up tickets for his sold-out programme "In A Tiny Room", which provided an intimate setting for a conversation and a Q&A session. Similarly, devotees of Judith Butler, a groundbreaking philosopher, seized the opportunity for a virtual meeting with the luminary during a full house at "Festival Keynote Talk".
Jack Edwards, a UK influencer and internet resident librarian. Singapor Writer Festival
The festival also shone a spotlight on homegrown and Southeast Asian talent through signature series such as Southeast Asia Focus (S.E.A Focus), Youth Fringe, and language-specific programmes in Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. Collaborating closely with guest curators, SWF also provided a platform for local voices to resonate on the global stage.
The culinary dimension of the festival unfolded with sessions like "Small Plates, Big Flavor: Our Side Of Sauce-East Asia", where chefs and food influencers congregated to celebrate the significance of sauces in Southeast Asian cuisine. Meanwhile, "SWF Playground" catered to younger participants with storytelling sessions, workshops, and a draw-along session featuring headliner John Patrick Green from the United States.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the festival grounds came alive with the vibrant rhythms of hip-hop and poetry readings, creating an electrifying atmosphere. On the sprawling lawn, attendees gathered around or lounged on bean bags, immersing themselves in a unique fusion. The session featured five writers collaborating with a live DJ, creating a dynamic blend of spoken word and iconic hip-hop tracks from the likes of Dr. Dre and A Tribe Called Quest.
A panel discussion. DEBBIE Y.
SWF 2023 also marked the end of an era for festival director Nansi, who completed her fifth and final edition at the helm. Reflecting on her tenure as the longest-serving director, she said: "It felt surreal to see SWF 2023 come to life, and now that it has drawn to a close, I am filled with gratitude to have had the opportunity to grow alongside the Festival for the past five years." Nansi also extended her gratitude to the unwavering support of the audience and the dedication of a passionate and innovative festival team. She envisions a future in which SWF continues to grow and attract new audiences, emphasising the crucial and relevant role of literary spaces for individuals and communities.
SWF 2023 was a testament to the power of literature to transcend boundaries, unite diverse voices, and inspire generations. As the curtains fell on the 26th edition, Singapore bid farewell to a festival that not only showcased the soul of Lion City but also left an everlasting imprint on the global literary landscape.
The bookstore at Singapore Writers Festival. DEBBIE Y.
The exhibition 'Tell Bowie He's Only A Rock Star. I, However, Am A Poet' at Punggol Regional Library. Singapor Writer Festival
DEBBIE Y.
