Big ideas & brilliant minds at Woodend Winter Arts Festival

Truth, Kindness, Creativity and AI – join the conversation at Woodend Winter Arts Festival

This year’s Woodend Winter Arts Festival features an insightful, timely and thought‑provoking Words & Ideas program. Hear leading Australian thinkers and writers explore community, kindness, truth, ageing, creativity and what it means to be human in the age of AI.

Join Hugh Mackay, David Marr, Alan Finkel, Anna Goldsworthy and Rosalie Ham, plus Maxine Beneba Clarke for a free children’s event.

Keep reading to learn more about our fascinating and timely 2026 Words & Ideas program. Tickets are on sale now and selling fast.

The Sheila Drummond Memorial Lecture – We do what must be done: preach to the converted with David Marr (selling fast!)

In the Sheila Drummond Memorial Lecture – veteran journalist, radio presenter and acclaimed author David Marr confronts the challenge of truth in turbulent times. Join this fascinating discussion as Marr reflects on why writers must still argue for the truths we’ve long trusted.

When: Saturday 6 June at 10:30am
Venue: Woodend Community Centre

The Power of Community – with Hugh Mackay AO (selling fast!)

Australia’s leading social psychologist, Hugh Mackay, draws on his latest books, The Way We Are and Just Saying, to unpack the social forces reshaping our lives. From loneliness and anxiety to our deep need for belonging, he argues kindness is a survival skill.

When: Saturday 6 June at 1pm
Venue: Woodend Community Centre

AI is masquerading as human; how can we respond? With Alan Finkel (selling fast!)

Former Chief Scientist of Australia and Monash University Chancellor Alan Finkel tackles one of the defining issues of our time: AI and what it means to be human. As humans, we have the right to choose to read books written by humans, listen to music composed by humans and admire art produced by humans. As artificial intelligence reshapes creativity, choice and truth, Finkel asks how we can defend our right to human‑made books, music and art.

When: Monday Sunday 7 June at 11:30am
Venue: Woodend Community Centre

Anna Goldsworthy on AI, culture and the self – in conversation with Jacqueline Ogeil

Author and pianist Anna Goldsworthy explores AI, culture and the self. Drawing on her forthcoming Quarterly Essay, she explores the implications of AI for art, culture and the self and how it forces a confrontation with what it means to be human. Anna shares her perspectives on this complex issue live in conversation with WWAF’s Artistic Director Jacqueline Ogeil.

When: Sunday 8 June at 10am
Venue: Woodend Community Centre

The Power of Picture Books and Poetry for Young People – with Maxine Beneba Clarke

Perfect for families to enjoy together, award‑winning author and beloved storyteller Maxine Beneba Clarke will present a free children’s event filled with stories, poetry and imagination. Discover favourites like The Patchwork Bike, Fashionista and her joyful poetry for kids as she shares stories that spark creativity and confidence. This talk is aimed at children aged 5–12.

When: Saturday 6 June at 3pm
Where: Woodend Community Centre

Visions of Beethoven – with Christopher Menz

Join one of Australia’s leading voices when it comes to art, Christopher Menz, as he explores how images have shaped the myth of the great composer Beethoven. From nineteenth‑century portraits and busts to modern film, this thought-provoking talk asks what these images truly represent – and how Beethoven has been used for cultural and political meaning.

When: Sunday 7 June at 10am
Venue: St Ambrose Church, Woodend

Look after your feet (and other things) – with Rosalie Ham

Acclaimed author of The Dressmaker, Rosalie Ham presents her first work of non‑fiction. The title, Look after your feet, is both literal advice and a metaphor for self-preservation. Join Rosalie for an entertaining and witty discussion as she shares her observations on ageing with mischief and a healthy dose of perspective.

When: Monday 8 June at 1pm
Venue: Woodend Community Centre

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival is a registered charity. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Donate here or visit our website for more information on how to donate.