The University of the Free State (UFS) will once again bring scholarship into the public arena at the Vrystaat Arts Festival, using one of South Africa's leading cultural platforms to explore ideas that shape society. 

The university's longstanding partnership with the Vrystaat Arts Festival reflects a shared commitment to creating spaces where scholarship, creativity, and community intersect. Together, the university and the festival continue to demonstrate how knowledge and culture can enrich public life and contribute to responsible societal futures.

From 7 to 9 July, UFS academics and partners will participate in a series of discussions that demonstrate how universities contribute to public life beyond the lecture theatre. Topics range from literature and institutional memory to documentary filmmaking, multilingualism, and the evolving role of universities in shaping democratic societies.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Hester C. Klopper believes that the relationship between scholarship and culture is fundamental.

"Knowledge is not only produced in laboratories and lecture rooms, but it is also carried in song, displayed on canvases, spoken from stages, and discovered in stories."

The university's participation aligns with its vision of contributing meaningfully to responsible societal futures by encouraging thoughtful dialogue around history, identity, language, memory and social change.

Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation & Postgraduate Studies, and the Executive member closely aligned with the Festival, echoes the views of Prof Klopper when he says: “The arts and scholarship share a common purpose: to deepen understanding, widen perspectives, and strengthen our collective capacity to imagine a better future. The Arts Festival reminds us that innovation is not only scientific; it is also found in the ideas, stories, and dialogues that connect people and transform society."  

UFS Authors in Discussion 

Among the programme highlights are two UFS book discussions, a panel discussion on the documentary Qwaqwa: Place of Barriers and Bridges, the Centenary Arts Panel, and Universities, Change and Memory, with Prof Saleem Badat and Prof Vasu Reddy.

Featuring Prof Reddy, Prof Saleem Badat, and other leading UFS scholars, the UFS Authors in Discussion and Universities, Change, and Memory discussions showcase the University of the Free State's contribution to advancing knowledge, scholarly leadership, and critical dialogue. Together, they position the university as a thought leader committed to shaping public memory, informing policy, addressing societal challenges, and demonstrating the transformative role of higher education in South Africa and beyond.

Featuring Johan C Moll and other language experts, Ons laat tale werk showcases the University of the Free State's leadership in advancing multilingualism as a catalyst for inclusion, transformation, and social cohesion. It highlights the impact of the university's Unit for Language Facilitation and Empowerment in shaping language policy and promoting equitable access within higher education and beyond. 

Qwaqwa: Place of Barriers and Bridges explores the complex histories, identities, and lived experiences that have shaped the Qwaqwa region, highlighting themes of resilience, belonging, and social transformation. It reflects the University of the Free State's commitment to public scholarship that preserves local histories, amplifies community voices, and contributes to meaningful dialogue on South Africa's past and future.

Presented by Ashraf Jamal, University of the Free State Research Fellow and 2026 Artist-in-Residence, Georgia O’Keefee – Late Style explores the enduring influence of one of the world's most celebrated artists through the lens of contemporary visual culture and critical scholarship. It reflects the university's contribution to advancing artistic excellence, interdisciplinary dialogue, and civil engagement in the visual arts.

Professor Emeritus and Research Fellow at the University of the Free State, Prof Hennie van Coller features across several Literature Festival discussions, such as Suiker, Herskrywing, representasie en intermediasie (with Prof Anthea van Jaarsveld, UFS alumna and academic), Rebekka van Kameeldoornplaas, Die Grafdigter, and, Die Tyd van Verwoerd. These discussions underscore the university's significant contribution to Afrikaans literary scholarship, critical discourse, and public intellectual engagement. His participation as author, presenter, and panellist reflects the UFS' enduring leadership in shaping conversations on literature, history, memory, and culture.

Featuring Anton Roodt, a graduate of the University of the Free State's MA in Creative Writing programme, Aan die hemeltrans celebrates the university's contribution to nurturing emerging literary voices and advancing South African creative writing. It showcases the impact of UFS alumni within the country's contemporary literary landscape.

Featuring UFS-linked author Francois Smith as author, presenter, moderator, and panellist across multiple festival discussions, including Onthou is die dag wat breek, Daardie Lewe: Karel Schoeman, and Dharma-dwaas in Doodloopstraat, strengthens the university's public-intellectual and literary footprint at the Vrystaat Arts Festival. Collectively, these discussions demonstrate the University of the Free State’s continued contribution to South Africa's literary discourse through scholarship, creative practice, and public engagement.

These conversations reflect the university's commitment to making knowledge accessible and relevant through public scholarship. Rather than presenting research only within academic spaces, the festival creates opportunities for academics, artists, and audiences to engage with ideas that shape contemporary society.

As the boundaries between universities and society continue to evolve, the Vrystaat Arts Festival provides an important platform where scholarship, creativity, and public conversation intersect. Through its participation, the University of the Free State reaffirms that knowledge fulfils its greatest purpose when it is shared, debated, and used to shape responsible futures for society.