UQ is proud to be a premier partner of the Brisbane Writers Festival
UQ is proud to be a premier partner of the Brisbane Writers Festival
6 September 2011

The University of Queensland will once again play host to some of the world’s top authors as a premier partner of the Brisbane Writers’ Festival, which begins this week.

Headlining a diverse program are a free event on September 9 chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield featuring award-winning journalist and author Anita Shreve.

Ms Shreve’s books include Resistance, The Weight of Water and The Pilot’s Wife, which was selected for Oprah’s Book Club and became an international bestseller.

The public are also invited to hear critically acclaimed author Ann Patchett speak at a free event at the UQ Art Museum on September 8. A contributor to the New York Times, Vogue and the Atlantic Monthly, Ms Patchett has written five novels and received multiple honours including the PEN/Faulkner Award and the Orange Prize for her latest work Bel Canto.

On September 12, the UQ Library will welcome prominent art director and author Betty Churcher to the Sir Llew Edwards Building at St Lucia.

Ms Churcher was an art critic before becoming the director of the National Gallery of Australia between 1990–1997. Her latest book, Notebooks, was published in April.

In a stimulating discussion, Professor Barry Brook will present “Why vs Why: Nuclear Power” on September 10 at the State Library supported by the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology.

As part of the University’s involvement in the festival, writing students will also gain expert tips from the inaugural UQ Editor in Residence, Christine Jordis. Ms Jordis is an award-winning writer and Senior Editor at Gallimard – France’s biggest publisher.

Ms Jordis will give guest lectures, lead workshops and provide individual consultations with staff and students during her residency.

UQ writing lecturers Bronwyn Lea and Venero Armanno will chair in conversation events with popular Australian authors Gail Jones and Kate Grenville, with UQP authors including Andrew Westoll and Jaya Savige also taking part in the festival.

The 2011 Brisbane Writers Festival opens on September 7 and runs until September 11.

UQ Brisbane Writers Festival events

September 8

“In conversation with Ann Patchett”, UQ Art Museum (1pm)

September 9

The Vice-Chancellor’s Office presents Anita Shreve at the Queensland Terrace, State Library of Queensland (9.45am), and also at 2.30pm at the IMB Auditorium at UQ St Lucia

The Faculty of Science presents Bryan Gaensler at the Queensland Brain Institute auditorium (10am)

“Meet Gail Jones” is presented by The Faculty of Arts on September 9 at Auditorium 2, State Library of Queensland (2pm)

The School of Languages and Comparative Cultural Studies presents Yoko Tawada at the Sir Llew Edwards Building (3pm),

The UQ Library presents Betty Churcher at Auditorium 1, State Library of Queensland (3.30pm)

September 10

The Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology presents Professor Barry Brook at the Queensland Terrace, State Library of Queensland (10am)

The Faculty of Science presents Bryan Gaensler at the Breezeway Stage (10am)

The UQ Business School presents Cathrine Ann at the Breezeway Stage (1pm)
September 11

The School of Languages and Comparative Cultural Studies presents Yoko Tawada at the Breezeway Stage (1pm)

September 11

“Meet Kate Grenville” is presented by the Vice-Chancellor’s Office at Auditorium 1, State Library of Queensland

September 12

The UQ Library presents Betty Churcher at the Sir Llew Edwards Building, UQ St Lucia (2pm)

Media: Justine Greig (07 3365 3374, j.greig@uq.edu.au) or Cameron Pegg at UQ Communications (07 3365 2049, c.pegg@uq.edu.au)