For a long time now Geelong locals have become used to making the lengthy trip to Melbourne to seek inspiration from creative-based festivals. Now your myki needn’t suffer, as Deakin is hosting Australia’s largest festival showcasing non-fiction literature over three days from August 15 to August 17. The idea was initiated by Deakin University’s School of Communication and Creative Arts but has been made possible through a partnership with the City of Greater Geelong and Geelong Regional Library Corporation, with support from Regional Development Victoria.
Over three days, the festival will see more than 60 presenters grace the stage, including best-selling author Tara Moss, The Guardian journalist Paul Daley and Classic FM breakfast presenter Emma Ayres. With so many sessions there’s bound to be something to inspire everyone, even those who cringe at the idea of non-fiction writing. While there are plenty of highlights there are a few that stand out to us as ones we want to nab front row seats to. Justin Heazlewood, also known as The Bedroom Philosopher, whose session is on the Sunday, is someone whose brain we’d like to pick. Aside from being a musician, Justin was a senior writer for Frankie magazine for five years, a contributor to The Big Issue and Zoo Weekly, and has just released his second book Funemployed. The session discusses Justin’s new book, which takes a look into the life of artists in Australia through over 100 interviews with musicians Gotye, Tim Rogers and John Safran.
Then there’s the ‘Extreme Adventures’ session with Andrew Lock and Jono Lineen. Andrew is Australia’s most accomplished high-altitude mountaineer and has climbed all fourteen “eight-thousanders”, while Jono completed the first solo 2700-kilometre trek through the Western and Central Himalayas. Also on Sunday, this session is one for the thrill seekers and is proof that non-fiction is far from boring. If neither of those takes your fancy, there are still sessions that cover the “death” of journalism, how women are portrayed in the media and more.
For those who are a little bit more visual, an exhibition of political cartoons curated by Russ Radcliffe will be on display for the duration of the festival.
Bookings are required for each session as tickets are numbered. For the full program or to book a session visit wordforwordfestival.com.au.
When&Where: Deakin University Waterfront Campus – August 15, 16 & 17
Written by Amanda Sherring