The
Writers' House
Katoomba NSW Australia
Vacancies for Paying Guests
Varuna - The Writers'
House is Michael Dark's gift to Australian literature in memory of his
parents, the novelist Eleanor Dark and Dr. Eric Dark.
Varuna honours their memory and the gift by providing a unique environment for the creation of Australian literature.
"There is no doubt that Eleanor Dark (1901-1985) is an important figure in Australian literary history. She published 10 novels, of which one, 'The Timeless Land' became a best seller in Australia and the USA and was later made into a popular television series. Her work was translated into European and Scandinavian languages; she won literary prizes, including the Alice Award from the Society of Women Writers; and in 1977 she was awarded the Order of Australia. Eleanor's novels were popular, sometimes controversial and experimental, and they reflected Australian history and culture in a way which was unusual for the time at which they were published (1932-1959). In articles and broadcasts, she also voiced strong opinions on social justice, education and women's issues" - Ann Skea
At Varuna, writers work with the support of stimulating development programs and lively engagement with the reading public, fellow writers, literary organisations and publishers.
OUR
VISION
To see Varuna recognised nationally and internationally as a special place for new, emerging and established writers from all genres, one that offers a community of support and enables the individual to develop their work, find their personal voice and seek a pathway to publication or production.
OUR MISSION
To honour the memory
of Eleanor and Eric Dark by providing at Varuna a unique environment in
which the best of Australian literature may be created: and to support
it with rigorous development programs and ready engagement with the reading
public, fellow writers, literary organisations and publishers
WHAT
WE OFFER TO WRITERS
Varuna's proud achievement
is the creation of an environment wholly dedicated to writing.
Fellowships for Writing
Retreats
Fellowships offer experienced writers a valued break away from daily pressures
to devote concentrated effort to a growing work in the supportive environment
of a community of writers.
Writing Programs
Varuna's Writing Programs provide intensive development opportunities for new and emerging writers.
Applications for Writing Programs are welcomed from writers of fiction or narrative non-fiction from all parts of Australia. Writers are advised that projects should be well in motion and should have a clear sense of direction.
The HarperCollins Varuna Awards for Manuscript Development
A unique program that each year gives 5 writers the opportunity to develop their manuscripts working intensively with a senior HarperCollins editor for 10 days at Varuna. Alumni of the Awards who have achieved publication include Ian Townsend, Karen van Ulzen, Denise Young, Penelope Sell, Robbi Neal, Rebecca Burton, Mark O'Flynn, Pip Newling and Kim Huynh.The Pathways to Publication Program provides genuine pathways opportunities for all applicants, in conjunction with the HarperCollins Varuna Awards for Manuscript Development (see above).
The Varuna Professional Development Residencies (formerly Creative Director's Masterclass) is a program enabling writers to work intensively for one week in the unique residential environment of Varuna under the experienced supervision of Creative Director Peter Bishop. This is a fee-paying, non-selective program.
Programs
for Regional Writers
Varuna programs are for writers from all parts of Australia. We pay special
attention to ensuring access and opportunity for writers from the less
populous states and from regional areas. Our regular visits to regional
writers' centres, and our contribution to writers' festivals, seed and
support the development of a genuinely national community of writers.
Macquarie Group Foundation LongLines Program & NSW LitLink Program
The Macquarie Group Foundation LongLines program is a national program targeted specifically at writers from remote, regional areas of Australia and Indigenous writers please follow this link for more details. By applying for this program, you may be selected for:
• the Macquarie Group Foundation LongLines Varuna workshops in either poetry, prose or playwriting (in partnership with PlayLab Qld)
• the Macquarie Group Foundation LongLines Varuna residencies (one writer from each State and Territory)
• the Macquarie Group Foundation LongLines Non-Residential Readings and Consultations (the application must clearly indicate a preference for this).
• Or if you are a regional NSW applicant, the NSW LitLink residencies
An application for the Macquarie Group Foundation LongLines is an application for all of the above. Please click the link above for full information and application procedure.
Community
Program
Varuna identifies and responds to established and emerging needs of writers
and readers in the Blue Mountains. The Community Program brings together
writers and readers at literary events ranging from intimate gatherings
to major festival presentations; and provides local writers with courses,
consultation days, development and promotion opportunities. Varuna works
with the Blue Mountains City Council and local business to secure and
strengthen the local arts infrastructure.
Paying
Residencies
We offer occasional opportunities for writers to spend time at Varuna
as paying guests. Guests benefit from working within a community of writers
from a broad range of genres and disciplines.
WHAT WRITERS SAY
I'll be recommending the Varuna experience to anyone who will listen. Especially at the beginning of a book it could make all the difference to any writer's project. I found the atmosphere very conducive to work, and the tranquillity gave my project a calmness that it's lacked all the time I've been worrying away at it...........Robert Drewe
Varuna was the
only place I had ever been where I was valued first and foremost because
I was a writer, where writing was held to be the most important thing
about me. This gift of space and time was a huge practical affirmation
and the effects have rippled through my life ever since then.
.........Margaret Simons (speaking on the occasion of Varuna's 10th birthday)
The air we breathe at Varuna encourages a kind of intellectual intimacy between people who elsewhere and otherwise would have been strangers. It makes also for their mutual encouragement as writers, young and old, new and established..........Ken Inglis
MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT
Varuna is owned and
managed by the Eleanor Dark Foundation Ltd..
The Board Members of the Eleanor Dark
Foundation are voluntary and generously contribute their time in support
of Australian Writers.
Our Annual Report 2004 provides an overview of our achievements in the past year.
We are funded primarily by the NSW Ministry for the Arts and the Australia Council for the Arts and are recognised by both as occupying a unique place in Australia's literary infrastructure
We are grateful for this support in order to maintain and expand our programs and introduce new initiatives we also depend on developing alternative sources of income through Patrons, Friends and Donors, Sponsorship, Philanthropy and Bequests, and our Alumni Association
CONTACTING THE WRITERS' HOUSE
- 141 Cascade St, Katoomba, NSW 2780, Australia
- Telephone: (02) 4782 5674 - International callers: +61 2 47 82 5674
- Fax: (02) 4782
6220 - International faxes: +61 2 47 82 6220
Email: varuna@varuna.com.au - click here to email Varuna
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Site most recently updated 6 March, 2008.
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