Art is Always Political (2024) - Louise Adler, Brook Garru Andrew, Violette Ayad, Gil Beckwith, Declan Greene, Simon Longstaff & Emile Sherman

The culture wars are seeping out of the real world and
infiltrating our pages and stages. 




Art has always traversed unfamiliar and even dangerous
territory. But with recent calls to boycott cultural
institutions, donors pulling funding, and the cancellation of
works and talent, are some discussions too fraught to engage
with?


Louise Adler is the Director of Adelaide Writers’ Week. She has
spent over 30 years in the culture business and continues to be
committed to the dissemination of dangerous ideas.


Brook Garru Andrew is an artist, curator and writer who is
driven by the collisions of intertwined narratives emerging
from the mess of the “Colonial Wuba (hole)”. His practice is
grounded in his perspective as a Wiradjuri and Celtic person
from Australia.


Violette Ayad was born on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja to Palestinian
and Lebanese parents. She is now based on Gadigal land where
she works as an actor, writer, director, and voice
artist. 


Gil Beckwith has a significant career in the Arts and Not For
Profit industry in senior finance and administration management
roles. Her working career spans over 40 years and includes
working for Sydney Theatre Company, Melbourne Festival, the
Victorian AIDS Council, and most recently CEO of Sydney Gay and
Lesbian Mardi Gras.


Declan Greene is a playwright, director, and dramaturg. As a
director he has worked for many of Australia’s major theatre
companies, including Sydney Theatre Company, Melbourne Theatre
Company, Malthouse, Belvoir, and Griffin Theatre Company. 


Emile Sherman is an Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning film
and television producer who co-founded See-Saw Films in 2008.
Based in Sydney and London, See-Saw Films has worked with many
of the world’s leading filmmakers and actors. 


Chaired by philosopher and Executive Director of The Ethics
Centre, Simon Longstaff.