Time and space for writers to write.
The Flinthart Residency
Opens annually. 2024 applications open (now closed): 10 June – 9 July 2024.
The Flinthart residency program was established in 2020 thanks to the generosity of the late Aiki Flinthart, a passionate Queensland Writers Centre member and successful independent author.
Awarded annually and exclusively offered to members, this residency opportunity gives the successful applicant the chance to spend 10 weeks working full-time on their next project, from a dedicated space in Queensland Writers Centre’s offices at State Library of Queensland. The residency also includes a $1,000 stipend, and mentorship with a matched industry professional, to support development of the work.
Applicants are required to submit a writing sample of approximately 3,000-6,000 words from their work-in-progress, synopsis, and a project plan.
In the spirit of Aiki’s wishes, greatest consideration for this program is given to applications from writers working or hoping to work in the space of self-publishing and indie publishing. Members may also consider making an application to Queensland Writers Centre's Fishbowl Residency, which is open for submissions year round.
Donations allow us to continue Aiki’s legacy of uplifting and supporting emerging writers through this Residency. Any amount is warmly welcomed – call the Centre on (07) 3842 9922 or donate online.
Application Guidelines
Applications open to Australian citizens and/or permanent residents. (Please note QWC does not make travel or accommodation provisions available for this residency program.)
Applications open to current financial members of QWC. Successful applicants' memberships should be maintained during their residency.
The Flinthart Residency is a competitive program, with applicants assessed by QWC staff and committee members. Applications may be judged by an external panel.
Multiple applications in one submission period are allowed, but are limited to one writing project per application. Applications will not be carried forward to future rounds, but applicants may re-apply in the future with the same project.
QWC does not own the work of successful applicants, nor does it hold rights to produce the work.
Successful applicants will be notified in August. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application.
Residency dates are negotiated between QWC and the recipient. Successful applicants should be able to commence residency within 3 months of successful application, and complete the full 10-week residency under agreed conditions.
Stipend payment and provision of mentorship allocation is dependent upon residency completion.
All other program expenses are the responsibility of the resident.
Successful applicants for the Flinthart Residency will be required to sign a Residency Agreement, which outlines the deliverables required by the author, including:
detailed availability for completion of the residency
short bio
short article about the residency experience
professional headshot
acknowledgement of the support of QWC in published materials.
Unsuccessful applicants may be offered a place in QWC’s Fishbowl residency program.
PAST Recipients
2023: Sophia Davidson Gluyas
2022: Claire Alcock
2021: Pamela Jeffs
2020: Jake Corvus
Fishbowl Residency
Applications open: year-round (approx. 6 weeks turnaround)
Looking for a place to work and write? Queensland Writers Centre’s Fishbowl Residency program provides valuable support and a dedicated place for writers to develop works-in-progress.
During a full-time, 10-week residency working from our vibrant offices in State Library of Queensland, successful applicants to this residency program receive 5 hours of mentorship with a professional writer, and write amongst fellow residents and the QWC team. Applications are accepted year-round from QWC members.
Read about the experiences of past Fishbowl residents Lara Cain Gray and Katherine Wasiel in articles from WQ magazine.
Application Guidelines
Applications open to Australian citizens and/or permanent residents. (Please note QWC does not make travel or accommodation provisions available for this residency program.)
Applications open to current financial members of QWC. Successful applicants' memberships should be maintained during their residency. Applicants may take advantage of a discounted membership in their application.
The Fishbowl Residency is a competitive program, with applicants assessed by QWC staff and committee members. Applications may be judged by an external panel. No further correspondence may be entered into regarding the outcome of applications.
Multiple applications in one submission period are allowed, but are limited to one writing project per application. Applications will not be carried forward to future rounds, but applicants may re-apply in the future with the same project.
QWC does not own the work of successful applicants, nor does it hold the rights to produce the work.
Residency dates are negotiated between QWC and the recipient. Successful applicants should be able to commence residency within 3 months of notification of successful application, and complete the full 10-week residency under agreed conditions.
Provision of mentorship allocation is dependent upon residency completion.
All other program expenses are the responsibility of the resident.
Successful applicants for the Fishbowl Residency will be asked to sign a Fishbowl Residency Agreement with Queensland Writers Centre. The Agreement outlines the deliverables required by the author, including detailed availability for completion of the residency, plus a short bio, short article and professional headshot for promotional reasons.
Queensland Writers Centre Varuna Fellowships
Applications open annually. 2024 applications (now closed): 12 February – 5 March 2024.
Each year, Queensland Writers Centre offers the following Varuna residential fellowships:
The Queensland Writers Centre Established Writers Fellowship is open to established writers with at least one publication.
The Queensland Writers Centre Underrepresented Writers Fellowship is open to established or emerging writers from underrepresented groups (self-identified).
Each Fellowship includes a two-week residency at Varuna, with full board and accommodation including a prepared evening meal, uninterrupted time to write in your own private studio, a one-hour mentoring session with a writing consultant, and the companionship of your fellow writers. The recipients will also receive support for reasonable travel costs.
Applications are free however you must be a current financial member of Queensland Writers Centre to apply. Applicants who are not members of Queensland Writers Centre can apply for membership as part of their application.
View the application form. For more information or assistance with your application, contact us at admin@qldwriters.org.au or call the Centre on (07) 3842 9922.
Recipients
2024
Laura Jean McKay (Established Writers Fellowship)
Sharlene Allsopp (Underrepresented Writers Fellowship)
2023
Kristina Olsson (Established Writers Fellowship)
Nadia Mahjouri (Underrepresented Writers Fellowship)
Nadia Johansen (Underrepresented Writers Fellowship)
2022 (inaugural)
Richard Yaxley (Established Writers Fellowship)
Balli Jaswal (Underrepresented Writers Fellowship)
Application Guidelines
Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent Australian residents who currently reside in Australia; applicants must be aged 18+.
Applicants must provide a copy of all materials and information required in the Application Form, including a project plan and writing sample.
Applications are open to current financial members of Queensland Writers Centre. Successful applicants' memberships will be maintained during their residency.
This is a competitive program, with applicants assessed by Queensland Writers Centre staff and an independent panel of industry professionals. All applicants will be personally notified of the outcome of their application prior to public announcements. No further correspondence will be entered into regarding unsuccessful applications.
Queensland Writers Centre does not own the work of successful applicants, nor does it hold the rights to produce the work.
Successful applicants must be able to commence residency within 12 months of successful application.
Successful applicants will be asked to sign a Residency Agreement with Queensland Writers Centre. The Agreement outlines the deliverables required by the author, including detailed availability for completion of the residency, plus a short bio, short article and professional headshot for promotional reasons.