Whitlam Essay Residency
This program is presented in partnership with the Whitlam Institute with support from Western Sydney Creative, Western Sydney University’s arts and culture decadal strategy.
Six fellowships are available for a week-long residency at the Whitlam Prime Ministerial home, at 32 Albert Street Cabramatta, with a focus on essay writing.
Applicants can be either Western Sydney University students, staff or alumni, and/or Varuna alumni, with three fellowships reserved for those currently living in Western Sydney.
This residency is open to essayists at various stages of their career, and the essay form and focus is not restricted. In honouring Whitlam’s legacy, we are particularly interested in essays that make research more relevant and accessible to the broader public, or that take a creative approach to exploring social or political concerns.
The Whitlam home at 32 Albert Street was an integral part of how Gough and Margaret connected with their community. Constituents were invited in to discuss matters of concern, and political functions and celebrations were a regular feature in the living room and backyard.
During the residency, participants will be invited to share their work at a Backyard Salon, a free event open to the Cabramatta and Western Sydney communities, the Whitlam family and other dignitaries. One or more residents will also be invited to deliver a workshop for Western Sydney University students.
Residency fellowships will be offered in two blocks from 11 - 24 March 2024 and will include:
One week’s accommodation in a private room (with a shared bathroom) at the Whitlam Prime Ministerial Home, 32 Albert Street Cabramatta, including all meals.
Uninterrupted time to write, feedback sessions, and the companionship of your fellow writers.
The opportunity to present a workshop to Western Sydney University students, paid at ASA rates.
The opportunity to participate in a Backyard Salon event, sharing your work with invited guests as well as the local community.
A $500 honorarium.
Key dates
APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED
Applications open: 21 September 2023
Closing date: 6 November 2023, midnight AEST
Residency dates: Between 11 - 24 March 2024
What you need to send us
You will need to send us a sample essay (either published or unpublished) demonstrating your writing style and area of focus, as well as a statement of intent describing your work, your previous writing experience, and how you would use the residency.
The residence will also include a workshop for students from Western Sydney University, so if you have skills in this area, you will be asked to outline what sort of workshop you could deliver.
What we are looking for
We are looking for essayists with a connection to Western Sydney University (as students, staff or alumni) and/or Varuna alumni.
Assessors will be looking at your writing experience as an essayist, clarity of focus and objectives (how you will use your time), and the merit of your writing. They will also consider the balance of the group, with a view to ensuring the residency has a collegiate atmosphere, and we will reserve two places for students. The capacity of applicants to deliver a workshop during their stay will also impact selection.
Fees
There is no application fee for this program, nor are there any program costs.
The fine print
Gough and Margaret Whitlam sit in their home in front of a bookshelf, his arm around her shoulders.
The Whitlam Prime Ministerial home in Cabramatta, pale brick with large white front windows, a low white brick wall, and a tree with red flowers hanging over the lawn.