WoW
In challenging times, WoWFEST26: New World Disorder rose to the challenge of creating a much-needed space for writers, artists, performers, activists, thinkers, audiences and communities to come together.
Across a powerful and inspiring month of discussions, performances, workshops, book launches and special events, the festival explored the uncertainty and rapid change shaping our world, while showcasing the work of new, emerging and high-profile writers and artists.
Our theme, New World Disorder, was never simply about naming the crises facing people across the world. It was about asking how communities respond, how artists and writers find the space and platform to speak out, and how creativity can become a tool for expression, resistance, connection and hope. Throughout the festival, writing and creativity were shown to be vital forces for challenging injustice, building solidarity and imagining different futures.
The programme brought together an extraordinary range of local, national and international voices, reflecting the diversity, courage and imagination at the heart of Writing on the Wall’s work. Across the events, audiences engaged with urgent political debate, radical histories, new writing, poetry, performance, memoir, fiction, activism, culture, community knowledge and lived experience.
Strong audience attendance throughout the festival showed once again the importance of WoWFEST as a place where people come not only to listen, but to participate: to question, challenge, share ideas, make connections and be part of something larger than any single event. WoWFEST26 demonstrated how festivals can create spaces of solidarity, imagination, resistance and collective possibility.
Writing on the Wall extends heartfelt thanks to all the writers, artists, guest speakers, performers, chairs, facilitators and contributors who brought such generosity, honesty and creative energy to this year’s programme. We are also grateful to the venues and partners who worked with us to make the festival possible, opening their spaces and helping us bring audiences and communities together across the city.
A huge thank you goes to our Trustees for their continued guidance and support, and especially to our staff and volunteers, whose tireless work, care and commitment carried WoWFEST26 from planning through to delivery. We are also deeply grateful to our funders for their ongoing support and belief in the importance of Writing on the Wall’s work.
Throughout May, WoWFEST26 offered something vital: a space for expression, resistance, solidarity and hope. We call on all those who share our vision — in whatever work you do, and wherever you do it — to keep pushing for change, and to keep using creativity and storytelling to inspire others to imagine, resist and act.
‘On a personal note, we both want to say how proud and grateful we have felt throughout WoWFEST26. Seeing writers, artists, guests, audiences, venues and partners come together, in a festival that we, our staff and trustees work so hard throughout the year to produce and deliver, has reminded us, at a particularly challenging time, why this work matters so much. Thank you for trusting us, for sharing space with us, and for helping make this festival such a powerful expression of creativity, solidarity and resistance.’
Mike Morris and Madeline Heneghan – Co-Directors, Writing on the Wall
