The theme of 2026’s festival, Writing the Future, is more than a slogan. It’s a call to action—a challenge for all of us as stewards of this festival and as members of a community navigating extraordinary times. We are living in an era marked by increasing authoritarianism, where the freedom to tell our stories—and even to imagine alternatives—is under threat. It’s not enough to simply react to crises as they arise. We must be responsive: clear-eyed about the realities we face, but steadfast in our commitment to building something better.

Inspired by the legacies of Octavia Butler and James Baldwin, we recognize that the future is not something that just happens to us. It is shaped—intentionally—by our collective imagination and courage. Butler reminds us that change is both inevitable and something we can direct; Baldwin teaches us that transformation begins with an honest reckoning with the past and present. Dreaming, in this context, is not escapism—it’s resistance, and it’s strategy.

So, as we plan for 2026, we encourage us all to ask:  

• How do we create space for honest reckoning with the past and present, while holding space for radical hope?  
• How do we ensure our festival remains a sanctuary for diverse voices, especially those most at risk of being silenced?  
• How do we build a community that is resilient, adaptive, and truly inclusive—not just in word, but in action?  
• How do we balance the need to respond to immediate threats with the long-term work of cultural transformation?

Our planning process must reflect the world we want to build. That means centering equity and accessibility in every decision. It means forging partnerships with organizations and individuals who share our vision for justice and liberation. It means cultivating a festival culture where every participant—staff, volunteer, author, and attendee—feels empowered to contribute to our collective future.

Let’s use “Writing the Future” as both a framework for action and a source of aspiration. Let’s be rigorous in our planning, intentional in our community-building, and fearless in our dreaming. The future we want is not guaranteed—but it is possible, if we write it together.

Thank you for your commitment, your creativity, and your courage.