Ubud is once again poised to become a stage for a celebration of words, ideas, and global encounters. The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival will be held at Taman Baca from October 21–25, 2026. It invites writers, readers, and thinkers from all over to gather in a warm and inspiring atmosphere.
This year's Ubud Writers Festival is themed "Samarasā: Awareness. Empathy. Action." A subtle invitation to view the world with a more complete awareness, deeper feelings, and more meaningful actions.
More than just a literary festival, this event has become a vibrant space for interdisciplinary exploration. From author talks and thought-provoking panel discussions, to workshops, literacy lunches, art performances, late-night comedy, spoken word stages, and book launches.
It's all woven into a fluid, dynamic, and inspiring experience.
The theme of Samarasā itself is rooted in Sanskrit philosophy, which emphasizes the harmony between Citta (mind), Rasa (heart), and Karsa (action). It's a concept that feels relevant in today's fast-paced world. It invites us to pause and reflect on the balance between what we think, feel, and do.
“Through the lens of Samarasā, we explore the forces that shape who we are to find a holistic balance between awareness, empathy, and action,” said Janet DeNeefe, festival founder and director.
Janet hopes that from this point, literary enthusiasts, especially Ubud Writers, can always try to trace the cycle of our existence as humans, from the technological to the spiritual, from the personal to the environmental realm.
“Not only to understand where we come from, but also to guide humanity in the direction we need to go, a future defined by compassionate responses,” he added.
To mark the countdown to the festival's 200th anniversary, this year's official artwork was unveiled. Created by Balinese artist Wayan Aris Sarmanta, the work presents a surreal world that blends humans, nature, and mythological creatures into a vivid, almost dreamlike landscape.
In his reflection, Wayan Aris Sarmanta expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to illustrate this year's artwork. "I wanted to create a unified, cohesive image, with mythological creatures and landscapes shimmering with energy."
I hope that the viewer can be absorbed in its entire form and ultimately be left with only memories of the fragments of detail that have been collected.”
In the spirit of Samarasā, this festival is not just about celebrating literature, but also about rekindling connections—between people, ideas, and the world we live in.
Bridging Tradition and Contemporary Imagination
Wayan Aris Sarmanta is a contemporary Balinese artist who grew up in Batuan, a village long known as a center of a rich and distinctive painting tradition. His artistic journey began with his grandfather, the late I Regug, a traditional Batuan painter who first introduced him to the world of canvas and imagination.
Building on this legacy, Aris not only continues but also reworks and reinterprets the Batuan style with a fresh approach. His work is known for its vibrant colors, expressive figures, and humorous compositions. He often presents reflections of contemporary life within a traditional aesthetic.
Recognition for his work came in 2018, when he was awarded the TITian Prize for Young Talented Artists in Bali. Since then, Aris has actively participated in various exhibitions, both domestically and internationally, expanding his work to a wider audience.***
