The inaugural Sydney Muslim Writers’ Festival (SMWF) will be held this weekend, 12–13 February.

A partnership between the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy (ISRA) and the Canterbury Bankstown City Council, the festival will take place at Bankstown Learning Centre in celebration of the literature of Sydney’s Muslim community. The program features writers including Sara Saleh, Michael Mohammed Ahmad, Osamah Sami, Amani Haydar and Najma Sambul.

Planned panels include ‘Speaking Back to Power’ on ‘what it means to be a “loud writer”’, a poetry panel, emerging writers panel and academics panel, as well as sessions on translation, children’s writing, Australia’s Muslim history, and the art of calligraphy in Islam, among others. ‘To add extra life to the festival we will have performances, fun activities and arts corners including (but not limited to) calligraphy, henna, fine arts and many more,’ said the organisers.

‘All lovers of books and knowledge are welcome. The program targets all age groups, adults, families, youth, teenagers and school children from different backgrounds.’

For more information and to view the SMWF program, visit the ISRA website.