Defending Artistic Freedom
Defending Artistic Freedom on National Sorry Day
Today, 26 May 2025, marks National Sorry Day and the 28th anniversary of the Bringing them home report—a landmark moment in truth-telling that revealed the devastating impact of forced child removals on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families across generations.
It is in this national context that we express our deep concern at the recent withdrawal of the black&write! fellowship awarded to Martu writer and HARDCOPY alum K A Ren Wyld, whose manuscript tells the story of seven generations of Stolen Generations survivors. That such a vital and courageous work has been stripped of its rightful platform through political interference is not only unjust—it highlights the ongoing fragility of First Nations storytelling within institutional spaces.
In response to the decision, several judges have resigned from the Queensland Literary Awards, including Nigel Featherstone, a lifetime member of MARION and the founding coordinator of our HARDCOPY program. We acknowledge the leadership shown by those across the sector who are speaking out.
At MARION, we believe that writers must be free to explore difficult histories, to engage with injustice past and present, and to express dissenting views without fear of losing their livelihood, platform, or professional advancement.
We stand in full solidarity with K A Ren Wyld, and with all artists resisting pressure to remain silent. On National Sorry Day, we reaffirm our commitment to truth-telling, creative freedom, and the right of First Nations writers to speak boldly, critically, and without compromise.
Further information about the withdrawal of the black&write! Fellowship is available HERE
