Writers focused on projects related to climate change and the environment are invited to apply for a week-long residency at Varuna, offering time and space to write, as well as the opportunity to network and connect with others working across literature, academia, journalism, grassroots organising and activism.

Applications open in early 2025

Residency dates: 8 - 15 September 2025
Places: Six writers will be selected
Who should apply: Writers working in any genre, with a focus on climate change and the environment

This fellowship is open to writers at any career stage, working on projects related to climate change and the environment. The residency is designed to foster connections writers working across literature, academia, journalism, grassroots organising and activism, with time and space to write, as well as structured workshopping and readings.

The fellowship includes:

A two-week residency at Varuna, including all food and a prepared evening meal, with uninterrupted time to write in your own private studio, and the companionship of your fellow writers, 8 - 15 September 2025
Travel costs reimbursed
A roundtable with co-founders and co-editors of Science Write Now, Dr Jessica White and Dr Amanda Niehaus, covering climate science, writing, and publishing nationally and internationally
Selected pieces by the fellowship awardees will be considered for publication in Science Write Now in 2026

PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS

The climate fellows for 2024 included Claire Albrecht, Mibu Fischer, Dr Joëlle Gergis, Claire O’Rourke, Yolanda Waters, Guy Ritani and Toad Andrew Dell. You can read about them here.

This fellowship is supported by The Bridge Awards Foundation.

As an organisation, Varuna has always had interest in and commitment to the environment. The organisation has a longstanding partnership with the Blue Mountains Conservation Society and is undertaking ongoing work to future-proof their property, reduce waste and become carbon positive. The annual Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival always incorporates climate writing, culminating in the Mick Dark Talk for the Future, an environmentally focused keynote address. It is our hope that this fellowship furthers our connection to the important work being done in this field.

UPCOMING COURSES, FELLOWSHIPS AND EVENTS

For Writers

Writing Sex with Kris Kneen

Applications close 2 July

In this 8-week online workshop series Kris Kneen will lead a small group of writers with the aim of learning to write about sensuality and sexuality with ease.

Red Room Poetry Fellowship 2025

Applications close Tuesday 4 February 2025

In partnership with Red Room Poetry, this fellowship for six poets includes a residency at Varuna, one-on-one mentorship, and a poetic commission as part of the national Poetry Month in August 2025.

Varuna International Exchange New Zealand

Applications now closed

Varuna is delighted to offer this four-week international residency to Varuna alumni, held in collaboration with the Michael King Writers Centre in New Zealand and the Verb Readers and Writers Festival in Wellington.