Are you the Australia Institute’s next Writer in Residence?
A second residency opportunity in recognition of the difficulty faced by writers due to COVID-19, is open to Australian non-fiction writers. Applications close 15 May 2020.
The Australia Institute Writers in Residence program aims to assist an Australian non-fiction writer to significantly develop their next work during a period of residency — could it be you?
In recognition of the difficulty faced by writers due to COVID-19, and that many writers’ circumstances may have changed since applications closed for the 2020 Australia Institute Writer in Residence Program, the Australia Institute is offering a second residency opportunity for another non-fiction writer.
The Australia Institute’s writer in residence program is a recognition of the value and importance of writers in the Australian public discourse, and an acknowledgment of the role writers and storytellers play in shaping our national identity.
The winning writer
- The name of the writer selected by the Australia Institute Writer in Residence steering committee will be announced on the Endeavour House website, the Australia Institute website, and associated media.
- The selected writer will receive a desk at the Australia Institute for a period of two weeks, and a stipend of $2,500 per week (i.e. $5,000 stipend for two weeks).
- The selected writer will receive free (modest) accommodation for the period of the residency. If the selected writer is from Canberra and surrounds and wishes to reside at their normal home during the residency, they will instead receive a small additional honorarium.
The nitty-gritty of it
What are the application criteria?
The only criteria for applicants are that they must be a writer who is currently residing in Australia or an Australian citizen residing overseas.
The program is open to writers of non-fiction but is closed to tenured academics — whose writings already receive institutional support.
Applicants will be assessed on their application letter outlining why they have applied, what the status of the work is, and what they hope to achieve over the residency, along with their writing samples and CV.
What if I applied the first time round?
Good news — you’re already in the running. All project applications submitted to the initial 2020 Australia Institute Writer in Residence Program will also be considered for the second residency opportunity.
What do I need to include in my application?
- a short CV
- a supporting statement of no more than one page in support of your application. Please state in one page or less why you have applied to be the 2020 Australia Institute Writer in Residence, what the status of your work is, what you hope to achieve over the residency, and how this residency in 2020 would aid in your work
- a small sample of writing (no more than 3,000 words)
What are the dates for the residency?
The residency will take place over two weeks. There are no set dates for the residency, other than it taking place during 2020. The specific dates would be negotiated between the selected writer and the steering committee.
Are you looking for a writer with a project at a particular stage of development?
There is no set stage that the writing project needs to be at for consideration for the residency. It is, however, the intention of the program that the residency would give the selected writer the time to focus on a specific stated writing project.
What types of writing will the committee consider?
The Australia Institute Writer in Residence program is open to all writers of non-fiction.
What else do I need to know?
Before applying to be The Australia Institute’s Writer in Residence, please read our Terms and Conditions.
- The selected writer must acknowledge the Australia Institute Writer in Residence Program in any publication resulting from work created as a result of the residency.
- The selected writer will write a testimonial of at least 200 words about the residency for publication on The Level and the Australia Institute website and/or media releases, explaining the benefits of the residency.
- The selected writer will give one public talk about their work in general or run one writing workshop, as negotiated with the steering committee.
How to apply
Please take note of the application requirements carefully, as the Australia Institute Writer in Residence program committee is unable to accept entries or notify entrants that do not follow all the terms and conditions correctly.
- Applicants may submit a maximum of one entry.
- The writing sample must be submitted in English.
- Application is to be made up of a short CV, a supporting statement of no more than one page, and a writing sample, as described in Terms & Conditions.
- The writing sample must be no more than 3,000 words (being either an extract of a longer work or a complete work)
- The application must be submitted by email to writersinresidence@tai.org.au. No printed applications will be accepted.
- The application must be submitted as strictly one PDF or Microsoft Word file containing all application requirements.
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