Varuna, the National Writers’ House, are excited to bring The Writer’s Space back and offering this opportunity nationally for the first time in 2025.
Varuna are looking for six emerging or established writers with disability and/or are D/deaf who are developing new work. This could include literary fiction, genre fiction, narrative non-fiction, illustration and graphic novels, young adult fiction, junior fiction, poetry, or writing for screen, theatre or radio.
Assessors will be looking at the artistic merit of the work sample that you submit, your commitment to the writing craft, and how this Fellowship will benefit your professional development. Consideration will also be given to the impact a lack of access has had on your career development.
Assessors of the program will be writers with disability.
Residency fellowships include:
-
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.
-
Reimbursement of travel expenses between Varuna and your home.
-
Two one-hour sessions (one-on-one) with a Varuna writing consultant Dr Carol Major, Tegan Bennett Daylight or Mary Anne Butler.
Residency dates: Between February – December 2025
Applications open: 1 October 2024
Applications close: 5pm AEST on 12 November 2024
Places: Six writers will be selected.
Who should apply: Writers at any career stage living anywhere in Australia, who have a disability and/or are D/deaf.
Fees: There are no application fees or residency fees for this fellowship.
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Go to www.dss.gov.au for more information.
