Footscray West Writers Fest is presented by West Footscray Arts,
a non-profit organisation dedicated to elevating and supporting art
and artists in our local community.
The western suburbs have long been a hub of creativity, home to a rich and diverse community of artists
and writers. To celebrate this, and to connect local artists to their local communities, in 2024 West
Footscray Arts presented a Writers of the West Series, funded by the City of Maribyrnong. Every event
in the series sold out, demonstrating a strong demand for local storytelling events.
The Footscray West Writers Festival was born, with our
first weekend long festival taking place in March 2025.
In an innovative approach, Footscray West Writers Fest includes events in local cafes,
restaurants, bars, the streets, footy club, the local bookshop, and even in backyards.
The festival programming is collaborative and diverse, representing a range of voices, ideas and
stories relevant to the western suburbs. We value freedom of expression from independent thinkers, ensuring differing perspectives come together respectfully.
We look forward to seeing you all March 27-29 in the heart of West Footscray.
Meet the WFA Founders
-
Donita is a professional writer and editor and Co-Founder of two communication businesses, Mighty Writing Co and Bad Writers Club. Bad Writers Club creates safe spaces to find a writing community and encourage writing with abandon. Donita oversees the workshop and making events on the Footscray West Writers Fest program, ensuring there is something to inspire everyone to get scribbling and get their story out.
-
Jess is a writer, creative director and broadcaster. She is the founder of creative company, The Open Arms, and a host of Spin Cycle on RRR-FM. Her professional career has focused on building ideas and storytelling that connects communities for good. Jess oversees the Footscray West Writers Fest program and artistic expression, filling nooks and crannies around West Footscray with memorable events.
-
Following a career as a social policy researcher, Reem founded West Footscray’s Chestnut Tree Bookshop in 2021 with the principle that a vibrant local community is vital for healthy living. The bookshop has since become an essential community space for many. Reem oversees all things bookselling at the Footscray West Writers Fest, plus there’s always something exciting happening in the Chestnut Tree Bookshop across the weekend.