Opportunity for Great Southern writers

One Great Southern writer will have the opportunity of a lifetime with a fellowship at Australia’s leading writing development institution.

In a WA-first, Varuna, the National Writers’ House in NSW, has partnered with Denmark Arts to create a writers’ fellowship for the Great Southern region.

Entries open tomorrow and close at midnight on March 31, with candidates asked to submit 10 poems of any length or a manuscript of 7000-10,000 words at any stage of development.

The literary works can be based in any genre, including children’s books and narrative non-fiction.

The authors must live in certain shires in the Great Southern region or the Shire of Manjimup.

The fellowship is available to residents in the following local government areas: Albany, Broomehill-Tambellup, Cranbrook, Denmark, Gnowangerup, Jerramungup, Katanning, Kent, Kojonup, Plantagenet, Woodanilling and also the Shire of Manjimup.

Denmark Arts artistic direc-tor Vivienne Robertson said she saw the potential for a partnership with Varuna during a holiday in NSW’s Blue Mountains.

“Varuna is a fantastic place, offering writers the chance for a focused and supportive period of creative work and companionship,” Ms Robertson said.

“Many notable Australian writers have been through Varuna’s residency programs, and receiving a Varuna fellowship is a great boost to a writer’s profile.”

Once entries have closed, a judging panel of two high-profile WA authors will establish a short list of three entries, with the winner chosen in consultation with Varuna.

The winner will be chosen in consultation with Varuna and announced at the Denmark Artshouse on April 28.

The recipient of the fellowship will be offered a two-week residency at Varuna in the second half of 2020.

They will receive two weeks of accommodation and meals, uninterrupted studio time, a one-hour manuscript workshop with a Varuna consultant, a one-year membership of Varuna alumni, and the company of their fellow writers.

The fellowship also includes $500 for travel costs and an additional $300 travel subsidy for anyone who holds a valid health care card.

For details, visit denmarkarts.com.au.