The Blue Mountains Fellowship
This two-week fellowship will be awarded to a writer who is currently living in the Blue Mountains LGA. This fellowship is generously supported by David Hammon, who was previously Chair of Varuna’s Board.
Applications will open in March 2025
Residency dates: The fellowship can be taken between January - August 2026.
Places: One writer is selected every year as part of the Varuna Residential Fellowships program.
Who should apply: Writers who live in the Blue Mountains LGA.
FAQ: Please read the FAQ before you apply.
The Blue Mountains Fellowship is part of the Varuna Residential Fellowships.
Each recipient will receive:
A two-week residency at Varuna, with full board and accommodation including a prepared evening meal, uninterrupted time to write in your own private studio, and the companionship of your fellow writers.
A one-hour consultation with a Varuna mentor, Carol Major, Mary Anne Butler or Tegan Bennett-Daylight.
A Gold Pass for the Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival.
For more information about staying at Varuna, visit our Residencies page.
TESTIMONIALS
“After working on my manuscript for five years, I felt lost and uninspired before my Varuna Fellowship, almost ready to put it in a drawer and never think about it again. But being surrounded by other writers at all stages of their journey, the beauty of the mountains, time, space, creative energy... I felt renewed within 24 hours of my stay. I completely rewrote my manuscript, from scratch, in two weeks, reaching a level of creativity, inspiration and focus that I hadn’t felt in years. If I had a million dollars, I’d donate it straight to Varuna. Thank you for everything.”
HOW TO APPLY
The Blue Mountains Fellowship is awarded to a writer who is currently living in the Blue Mountains LGA and submits an application for a Varuna Residential Fellowship. There is no separate application process.
Please refer to Varuna’s general submission guidelines for any questions on formatting your work.
