As it approaches its sixth year, not-for-profit writers’ festival Words on the Waves, is pleased to unveil the 2026 theme and featured poster artwork. The festival will take place May 27 – June 1, 2026, at locations across the Central Coast, NSW.
2026 Festival Theme
Take the Time
This Words on the Waves Writers Festival, we invite you to take the time. Take the time to pause, and hear a hard-won life story. To sit with a complex truth. Consider a view not your own. Indulge in imaginative curiosity. Slow down and really think. And of course, most importantly, we invite you to take the time to read. In a world clamouring for our attention, disappearing into a book can feel like a radical act. It resists the cracking pace of the news cycle, the suck of the scroll. Together, we can rebel through the simple act of taking the time. Join us.
Festival Director, Angela Bennetts, says, “In 2026, Words on the Waves will once again deliver a vibrant and immersive literary event for the locals of the Central Coast, NSW, as well as booklovers from beyond. We take pride in offering an extremely high calibre of programming – on par with festivals in urban centres the world over – but with the benefit of a stunning coastal setting and the warmth and hospitality of a regional community. In a time when writers’ festivals are more important – and imperilled – than ever, we invite you to celebrate the role they play in showcasing the big ideas, bold stories and urgent artistry of Australian authors. Writers’ festivals are also friendly and welcoming spaces to ‘take the time’ – to daydream, to connect, to learn something new – or simply to find your next read. We hope to see you at the festival.”
2026 Poster Artwork
Each year Words on the Waves partners with a local artist to amplify our core message: that the Central Coast oozes creativity. This artist may not use words to share their message, but the impact is just as strong.
Our 2026 featured artist is Terrigal local, Kirsty Nathwani, and her work ‘Girl Sitting‘ (featured above)
Kirsty thanks her Australian country upbringing and her close relationships with her mum and two sisters who have all studied Architecture for the whimsical and often naive urban subject matter that now dominates her work. “My work is inspired by the beautiful or unique architecture of a home; the paradise of family. I love colour and am always trying to express a sense of joy. I feel that artists David Hockney, Reg Mombassa and Nick Olsen are my muse when it comes to influencers.
“After becoming a teacher and spending decades of my life teaching drama, art and working with children which I love I have finally decided to give my one art practice ago. Having painted as a hobby my whole life I felt it time and had a burning desire to make art my full time gig. With ‘finding my way’ an art community on the central coast I am finally on my way to making that dream a reality.”
Read our interview with Kirsty Nathwani here.
Words on the Waves will celebrate its sixth year May 27 – June 1, 2026, in various locations across the Central Coast. Sign up to our mailing list to make sure the good news flows to you.
