After five years at the helm of the Singapore Writers Festival, poet, educator, and festival director Pooja Nansi is stepping down to pursue new challenges. During her tenure, Nansi transformed the festival into a vibrant and inclusive platform for literary expression, showcasing diverse voices and perspectives and fostering a sense of community among writers and readers alike.
Nansi’s passion for literature and storytelling is evident in her transformative work at SWF. She believes that everyone has a story to tell and that literary spaces should be welcoming and accessible to all. Under her leadership, SWF introduced a Youth Fringe, providing a platform for young writers to share their voices, and made a concerted effort to include diverse perspectives in its programming.
Beyond her work at SWF, Nansi is an accomplished poet and teacher. Her three collections of poetry explore themes of nostalgia, emotion, and identity, and her teaching style fosters creativity and self-expression in her students.
As Nansi embarks on the next chapter of her career, she remains committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and creativity. She is currently pursuing a PhD in creative practice methodology and is working on several new projects. Nansi’s departure from SWF marks the end of an era, but her legacy of innovation and inclusivity will continue to shape the festival for years to come.
