The imagination is our most valuable renewable resource.
Twice a year the Ottawa International Writers Festival comes back to recharge our imaginations. From politics to poetry, science to music, history to thrillers, they celebrate the full diversity of the word and the gifted writers who guide us in our exploration of the world. Their year-round special events keep the ideas coming between Festivals.
They believe that a love of reading and learning should be nurtured throughout our lives and that literacy is a birthright. Whether offering writing workshops to the homeless, hosting a Nobel Laureate, organizing our biannual literary celebrations or bringing authors into area schools, their goal is the same: to create an environment that activates creativity and encourages the love of reading, learning and self-expression.
The Ottawa International Writers Festival is dedicated to providing a welcoming, respectful and comfortable environment for all its guests. In response to complaints of harassment or inappropriate behaviour that are brought to the attention of staff, guests may be asked to change their behaviour or to leave, at the discretion of the festival. Festival staff will use their judgment to respond to any incidents or allegations.
Poetry Cabarets
Renowned poets performing at the top of their game and interacting with the audience is live literature at its best. Some would argue that poetry needs to be read aloud. We would agree and add that there’s nothing like hearing the cadence and tone of poems when delivered by the authors themselves.
The Big Idea
Audiences in Ottawa, as befitting a national capital and an international city, demand the highest level of debate and discussion. THE BIG IDEA, our town-hall style discussion with audience participation, covers the issues of the day.
Fiction
This is where book-lovers come to hear their favourite stories come to life as read by the author. More than a reading, our Fiction events also feature on-stage conversations where authors engage with the audience and their peers. Often funny, occasionally moving, and always fascinating, The Writing Life is an opportunity to spend time with the greats, to meet up-and-coming authors, and to get to know the inspiration behind the works.
The New Science
With climate change, clones, superbugs, genetic discoveries and life on Mars making headlines around the world, it’s not just experts at the NRC or intellects on campus who are fascinated by the latest scientific breakthroughs. Cutting-edge developments presented to general audiences in an interactive setting are the essence of ‘The New Science’.
Film/TV/Theatre/Music
Some of the world’s best writing is happening outside the pages of books. The Writers Festival regularly features staged play readings, feature films, documentaries, CD launches and songwriters circles. Innovative programming expands the Festival’s reach to youth, reluctant readers and the community at large.
History/Biography and Other Non-Fiction
With non-fiction topping bestseller lists, Festival programming features a growing number of acclaimed biographers and popular historians. With a special focus on Canadian events and including local as well as international authors, we offer audiences the opportunity to explore the world from many perspectives and to spend time with many of the most fascinating characters of today and yesteryear.
Want to know more about the Ottawa International Writers Festival? Check out their website!
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