Varuna First Nations Fellowships

Check out Varuna’s online First Nations Masterclass too. This program is open for applications until 11 July 2024. You can even apply for both the First Nations Fellowships and the online First Nations Masterclass - go for it!

This prestigious program started in 2017, and we acknowledge the support of The Copyright Agency Cultural Fund in its establishment.

Five fellowships will be awarded to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers from anywhere in Australia.

This fellowship program is open to writers of all genres of fiction, narrative non-fiction, poetry, children's books, graphic novels, dramatic/screen writing, writing for radio, translation, young adult, essays or short fiction. Submissions in language are welcomed.

The fellowship week includes an optional one-on-one mentoring session, and group reading sessions, in a culturally safe space.

The Fellowship includes accommodation and meals at Varuna, as well as travel between your home and Katoomba, including 50 cents per km reimbursement for distance travelled in a personal vehicle, economy airfares and bus or train tickets. Please refer to FAQ for more details.

KEY DATES

Applications open: 3 April 2024

Closing date: 14 May 2024

Dates of residency: Between 25 November - 2 December 2024

WHAT YOU NEED TO SEND US

You will need to send us up to 10,000 words from the beginning of your manuscript. You can also submit your work in the form of recorded audio if you prefer. For poetry entries, please submit up to 10 poems. For graphic novels, please submit up to 20 pages.

If you’re not sure what to submit, please email maeve@varuna.com.au or give us a call on 02 4782 5674.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Fellowships will be awarded based primarily on the merit of your writing. Selectors will also consider the potential role of your work in maintaining culture, such as educating the community regarding Indigenous issues, providing an authentic voice in Australian writing, maintaining language, or recording community stories.

Varuna appoints a First Nations selection panel each year, and submissions are read by all assessors.

FEES

There is no application fee for this program, nor for the residency itself.

QUESTIONS?

You’ll find answers to some common questions including those related to travel and access needs in our FAQ.
Please also feel free to get in touch by email or by phone 02 4782 5674. Should you have any difficulty completing the application, we will be very happy to assist you with completing your application over the phone.

APPLY NOW