Copyright Agency First Nations Fellowships are Open

Woman on couch in drawing room at Varuna

The 2020 round of Fellowships for Indigenous writers is now open for its third consecutive year; a program developed by Varuna the National Writers’ House in collaboration with Magabala Books, the University of Sydney and the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund.

Both unpublished and published Indigenous writers are invited to apply for a one-week residency at Varuna, in the Blue Mountains of NSW. All genres of fiction, narrative non-fiction, poetry, children's books, graphic novels, dramatic/screen writing, writing for radio, translation, essays or short fiction are eligible. Submissions in language are welcomed.

Each residency includes full board and accommodation including a room and writing studio for each writer, and all travel expenses to and from Varuna, as well as professional development opportunities.

Over decades, Varuna has become established as a unique haven for writers, fostering excellence, innovation and diversity in Australian literature with opportunities that are designed to support writers and the writing process.

Varuna Executive Director Veechi Stuart reflected on the First Nations program’s previous success in supporting indigenous literary voices, saying “We are hopeful that news of the program will reach new ears this year, perhaps attracting some writers who may not have previously considered applying.

“Australian Indigenous writing continues to represent some of the most vibrant and significant work taking place in Australia today, and Varuna is committed to supporting this work,” she said.

Program consultant Dr Peter Minter, Senior Lecturer in the Department of English at the University of Sydney, commented, “Like art, dance, cinema and all forms of creative expression, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander literature is central to the cultural strength and vitality of Indigenous communities, and to how we share knowledge and understanding with one another.

“Since editing the Macquarie PEN Anthology of Aboriginal Literature with Dr Anita Heiss in 2008, I’ve seen sensational growth in Indigenous writing across all genres, and the new Copyright Agency Fellowships for First Nations Writers that Varuna is offering are a terrific new development in support for these writers.”

Rachel bin Salleh, from leading Indigenous publisher and key program partner Magabala Books, is engaged in the selection process for awarding Fellowships. Magabala Books will appraise works completed by writers as a result of attending the Program, with a view to possible publication.

Rachel bin Salleh said, “Indigenous writing is important because we are the original storytellers for this country. We have been telling stories for an exceptionally long time, and we would like to continue with our practices in an environment that will help support and nurture creativity.”

The 2019 recipients of the Copyright Agency Fellowship were Yvette Holt, Angelina Hurley, Raelee Lancaster, Jazz Money, Morgan-Lee Snell

Applications close at midnight on 14 December 2019.

For further details, including how to apply, click here

or phone (02) 4782 5674.

Varuna acknowledges the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund for supporting this project.