We are extremely excited to announce that Ubud Writers & Readers Festival returns for its 18th year, from 8–17 October 2021. 

The Festival moves forward with the theme drawn from a Balinese-Hindu philosophy, Mulat Sarira, interpreted in English as Self-Reflection. The Festival will explore self-reflection, cultural introspection, and human rights: examining who we are, what unites and divides us, and what drives our actions.

“We have been shaped by a new normal and, with it, human values of care, co-operation and compassion have been brought to the forefront, while we are left contemplating to which parts of normal do we wish to return?” commented Janet DeNeefe, UWRF Founder and Director. “The theme invites compelling conversations from literary luminaries, emerging writers, activists, academics and journalists, to discuss the importance of self-reflection and how the power of storytelling can connect us across cultures.”

Along with the theme, UWRF also returns to the artwork created by an acclaimed Balinese artist Teja Astawa. His distinctive traditional Kamasan style art represents human stories that are told in classic and bold natural settings.

This year’s Festival will have meaningful discussions, powerful performances, and poignant readings, following a strict COVID-19 health protocol with social-distancing measures applied.

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