Writers Victoria is offering writers and other literary professionals of Australia the chance to travel the world and give life to their ideas, with the launch of a new round of travel funding this month.
Writers Victoria’s highly sought-after Neilma Sidney Literary Travel Fund launched in 2017 and has already awarded more than 30 recipients a share in $150,000 in grants to date.
“This is a huge opportunity for homegrown writers and literary industry professionals to explore new territory,” said Angela Savage, Director of Writers Victoria. “We’re excited to be championing Australia’s writers, creating opportunities for professional and personal success stories to be shared and told.”
The last round of funding received 112 applications, with recipients using the funds to attend the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy, travel to Taiwan, take research trips to China, and others to Switzerland, the US and the UK.
Sam Twyford-Moore, writer, Director of the Melbourne Agency and founding host of The Rereaders podcast, was granted funding for travel to Phoenix, Arizona to attend the Nonfiction Now conference. “With writers’ salaries dwindling at an alarming rate, it is so important that Writers Victoria, through the Neilma Sidney Literary Travel Fund, support something as cost prohibitive as significant international travel,” said Mr Twyford-Moore.
“Many works of nonfiction require such steep investment and too often that cost is worn by the author alone. It is almost certain that a great deal of books that wouldn’t have otherwise been written will result from this generous opportunity. I certainly feel confident that my next book will be testament to this.”
The grant is open to writers and other literary professionals at all levels of their careers. The fund boasts a wealth of successful recipients, including internationally acclaimed writer Robert Dessaix, author Damon Young, bookseller and writer Michael Earp, playwright Alexandra Collier, renowned writer Bruce Pascoe and illustrator Allison Colpoys.
This year, Writers Victoria marks its 30th anniversary. It is a historic milestone for the literary community and timely celebration, with applications for the Travel Fund offering grants from $2,000 up to $10,000.
“It’s been incredible supporting so many of the country’s writing and literary industry talents as they embark on national and international travel to research, develop and promote their work,” said Dr Savage. “The fund has seen writers exploring almost every corner of the globe, from Buenos Aires to Ontario, Krakow to Tokyo, making connections across borders to inspire their creativity and support their career development.
“It’s a rare opportunity. We look forward to bringing a selection of dreams to fruition again next month,” added Dr Savage.
Applications are now open and close on Friday 29 March 2019. Travel is to occur 1 June 2019 – 31 May 2020. For more information and to apply, visit: www.writersvictoria.org.au for details.