Applications are open for a unique $30,000 writing residency based at the University of Tasmania.
The Hedberg Writer-in-Residence program, now in its third year, allows an established Australian author to live and work in Tasmania for three months.
"It offers an inspiring opportunity for writers to spend time exploring new work or to reimagine and develop an existing work-in-progress," program coordinator and Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing Dr Lucy Christopher said.
"It's three months to explore the wilderness of words and place in gorgeous Tasmania, together with a friendly team of University academics and staff to support you."
The successful applicant will receive a $20,000 living allowance, University-provided accommodation worth $10,000 and access to an office and the library. They will also mentor students across the state, take part in the Hobart Writers' Festival and speak at public events at The Hedberg.
"The Hedberg already plays an important role in engaging with our vibrant Tasmanian literary culture and aligning the residency with the Hobart Writers Festival will strengthen this connection," coordinator Dr Emmett Stinson said.
Previous recipients include Tasmanian author Robbie Arnott, who worked on his acclaimed novel Limberlost, and eminent literary fiction writer Gail Jones.
"The English department and University are to be congratulated on their Hedberg Writer-in-Residence scheme," Professor Jones said. "This is a great gift to writers like me, for whom a new setting is always a new provocation. I have no doubt it will yield fine work and new opportunities for local writers in the future."
The residency is offered by the College of Arts, Law and Education and the School of Humanities at the University of Tasmania, with support from the Copyright Agency's Cultural Fund. It is open to established fiction or non-fiction writers, in all genres, who are resident in Australia. Applications close on March 31. Visit here to apply.
