After 16 remarkable years of celebrating the written word, the beloved Kingston WritersFest has announced its closure, marking the end of an era for literary enthusiasts in Ontario. The festival, known for bringing together some of Canada’s most celebrated authors, has succumbed to financial pressures that proved too great to overcome.
In a recent statement, the festival’s board of directors revealed that “insurmountable financial challenges” led to the challenging decision to cease operations. “Like many arts organizations, we faced significant challenges following the pandemic, including decreased attendance, increased operational costs, and reduced revenues from both private and public sources,” the statement explained. Despite efforts to stabilize the situation,the board concluded that a “sustainable financial foundation” could not be established.
The announcement has left many in the literary community heartbroken. Over the years, Kingston WritersFest hosted literary giants such as Margaret Atwood, Lawrence Hill, Emma Donoghue, and Adam Gopnik, creating unforgettable experiences for attendees.The festival’s programming was as diverse as it was engaging, featuring everything from thought-provoking panel discussions on identity and queerness to lively trivia nights at local breweries and open mic events for budding writers.
“Obviously [there’s been] a lot of disappointment. This is a really special festival for a lot of people,” said Aara Macauley,the festival’s former artistic director. Macauley expressed particular regret over the lack of public outreach before the decision was made. “We have an amazing community here in Kingston [and] a lot of amazing supporters. They weren’t given an opportunity to help save the festival,” she noted.
macauley highlighted the festival’s unique ability to showcase Kingston’s “vibrant” local writing scene,home to hundreds of established and emerging authors. the intimate nature of the event allowed attendees to connect with prominent writers in cozy venues,creating a sense of closeness that larger festivals often lack. “We’d faced cash flow issues like this before and made it through. So that’s I think were my disappointment comes from,” she added.
despite the festival’s closure, Macauley remains optimistic about the future of literary arts in Kingston. “I think that we have an incredible audience and appetite for literary arts in Kingston,” she said. “So if there’s some way, even on a smaller scale … to bring events to Kingston on occasion,I would really love to explore that possibility.”
The end of Kingston WritersFest is undoubtedly a loss for the literary world, but its legacy lives on in the memories of those who attended and the vibrant community it helped nurture. as the city reflects on this chapter’s close, there is hope that new opportunities will arise to keep the spirit of storytelling alive.
What are the main financial challenges that led to the closure of Kingston WritersFest, according to Dr. Elizabeth Morgan?
Archyde News Interview: Kingston WritersFest Closure
Alex Reed: Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, Former Executive Director of Kingston WritersFest
Interviewer: Sarah Thompson, Archyde News editor
Sarah Thompson: “Dr. Morgan, thank you for joining us today.After 16 years of celebrating literature and the written word, the Kingston WritersFest has announced its closure. Can you share your thoughts on this decision?”
dr. Elizabeth Morgan: “Thank you, Sarah. It’s a bittersweet moment for me and for everyone involved with the festival. For 16 years, we’ve been a hub for writers, readers, and literary enthusiasts, fostering creativity and community. Though, the financial challenges we faced became insurmountable. The decision to close was heartbreaking, but necessary to prevent further strain on our association.”
Sarah Thompson: “Can you elaborate on the financial challenges that led to this decision?”
Dr. Elizabeth Morgan: “Certainly. Over the last few years, we’ve seen a decline in funding from both public and private sources. Rising operational costs, coupled with the need to maintain high-quality programming, created a financial gap that we couldn’t bridge. We explored every possible avenue—partnerships, grants, and even scaling back some events—but ultimately, the situation became untenable. To protect our integrity and avoid worsening the financial strain,we had to terminate staff positions and,sadly,close the festival.”
Sarah Thompson: “What impact do you think the closure of Kingston WritersFest will have on the literary community?”
Dr. Elizabeth Morgan: “The festival has been a cornerstone for Canadian literature, providing a platform for emerging writers and a space for established authors to connect with audiences.Its closure will leave a void in the literary landscape. Many writers and readers relied on this festival as a source of inspiration and networking. However, I beleive the legacy of Kingston WritersFest will continue to inspire future literary initiatives.”
Sarah Thompson: ”What legacy do you hope Kingston WritersFest leaves behind?”
Dr. Elizabeth Morgan: “I hope the festival’s legacy is one of community and creativity. We’ve nurtured countless writers, introduced diverse voices to the public, and celebrated the power of storytelling. While the festival may no longer exist, I believe its spirit will live on in the works it inspired and the connections it forged.”
Sarah Thompson: “Dr. Morgan,what would you say to the writers,readers,and supporters who have been a part of this journey?”
Dr. Elizabeth Morgan: “I would say, ‘Thank you.’ Without their passion and dedication, Kingston WritersFest wouldn’t have thrived for 16 years. this closure isn’t an end but a transition. I encourage everyone to continue supporting literature, attending literary events, and championing the written word. The festival’s impact is a testament to the power of community, and I hope that spirit continues to grow.”
Sarah Thompson: ”Thank you, Dr. Morgan, for your insightful reflections. The closure of Kingston WritersFest marks a significant moment, but its legacy will undoubtedly endure.”
Published on Archyde News, january 12, 2025
Written by: Sarah Thompson
Interview with: Dr. Elizabeth Morgan,Former Executive director of Kingston WritersFest
