ANZ Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF) opens with a festive Gala Opening celebration in the Royal Palace, October 5 2011. The event was officially opened by Sapta Nirwandar Director General of Marketing for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
In the four days ahead, ANZ UWRF will present an array of over 100 programs with 137 writers from 20 countries, including Indonesia. Acclaimed and emerging Indonesian writers will be sharing panels with international writers in various sessions that wraps around the Festival’s theme for the year: “Nandurin Karang Awak-Cultivate The Land Within”
“We integrate speakers from very diverse backgrounds in our programs. It’s a rare chance for people to see these writers sharing their thoughts and ideas in the same panel.” Says Festival Founding Director Janet DeNeefe.
In the Festival Press Conference, ANZ Vice President Director Ajay Mathur, stated that ANZ is honored to be part of UWRF, “UWRF does not only bring the world to Indonesia, but also brings Indonesia to the world,” says Ajay. UWRF was on the brink of cancellation when the main sponsor from last year pulled out at the last minute. ANZ offered their support just eight weeks before the announced opening date and saved the Festival
Meanwhile, Sapta Nirwandar stated that the government fully supports the Festival. “UWRF brings visitors to Indonesia. It also gives visitors a broad knowledge of Indonesia’s literary culture,” he says. “Ubud is the perfect place for this event. I believe many writers will find Ubud very inspiring. I also hope that after the Festival, the writers and participants will stay to explore Bali and other places in Indonesia.”
Andre Hirata, writer of popular tetralogy Laskar Pelangi said that UWRF has a gleaming reputation among writers and literarty lovers whom he meets in other international Festivals he’s attended. “In UWRF, I don’t only present my work to people. I also get a chance to grow as an author, and learn from other writers,” says Hirata.
Literary is not all you will find in the Festival’s menu. UWRF offers a wide range of music, art and cultural programs. But the cherry of the event is its Children & Youth Program which offers 24 free programs for kids and teens. With ExxonMobil’s support, 15 students from underpriviledged schools in East Java hasve arrived in Bali to enjoy these programs.
The post festival outreach program will take writers on tour to various cities in Indonesia. “This is one part of the Festival that not a lot of people are aware of,” says Janet. “It is one of our effort to spread the seed of inspiration beyond Bali and to other parts of Indonesia”
From Ubud Bali, we welcome you to the Festival and hope you have a very inspiring experience at ANZ Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2011
Source: http://www.ubudwritersfestival.com/book/anz-ubud-writers-readers-festival-opening-bringing-world-indonesia-and-indonesia-world
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