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Literature

Australian stories are one of our greatest assets

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Stories and perspectives brought to life through literature helps us shape and express Australian identity. 

Creative Australia supports Australian writers and illustrators to produce new work and reach new audiences locally and globally.  

Reading connects us with stories and ideas, enhances happiness and improves our feeling of connectedness with local and global communities. 

At Creative Australia, we champion the development, publication and sharing of Australian writing through festivals, writers’ centres, literary journals, reading engagement programs, publishing, editing and rights sales. 

Literature covers a wide range of genres including fiction, non-fiction, poetry (including spoken word), writing for performance, podcasts, programs and work for children (including illustration) and graphic novels. 

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Writing Australia 

The establishment of Writing Australia on 1 July 2025 will bring new investment to the literature sector. 

Writing Australia is a dedicated body, established within Creative Australia, designed to invest in Australian literature. 

Writing Australia will: 

  • Support writers and illustrators to create new work. 
  • Invest in a network of key organisations delivering public value for Australians 
  • Develop national industry initiatives and international programs to increase exposure and access to global markets. 
  • Establish a National Poet Laureate to promote poetry and mentor up and coming poets. 

The Writing Australia Council’s role is to advise on the development of new programs and provide strategic advice.  

Appointments to the Writing Australia Council are made by the Australian Government’s Minister for the Arts. 

If you would like to express your interest in joining the Writing Australia Council, please complete the form on the Office for the Arts website

Contact Creative Australia

Wenona Byrne, Head of Literature 

Jo Simpson, Senior Officer, Literature Projects (Prime Minister’s Literary Awards) 

For help with your application, please contact Creative Australia

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Red Room Poetry

Assessment panels

Our assessment panels include artists and creative workers who understand the creative process. Their involvement ensures Creative Australia’s funding decisions remain at arm’s length.

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Application process

Creative Australia encourages applications from practising artists, arts workers and organisations. Find out more about our application process.

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Applications FAQ

Frequently asked questions about how to apply for grants and opportunities and how our application processes work.

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How we assess applications

Find out more about our assessment methods and how we use peer assessment, industry advice and staff assessment.

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Contact Creative Australia 

Wenona Byrne, Head of Literature 

Jo Simpson, Senior Officer, Literature Projects (Prime Minister’s Literary Awards) 

For help with your application, please contact Creative Australia

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We acknowledge the many Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and honour their Elders past and present.

We respect their deep enduring connection to their lands, waterways and surrounding clan groups since time immemorial. We cherish the richness of First Nations Peoples’ artistic and cultural expressions.

We are privileged to gather on this Country and through this website to share knowledge, culture and art now, and with future generations.

First Nations Peoples should be aware that this website may contain images or names of people who have died.

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We acknowledge the many Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and honour their Elders past and present.

We respect their deep enduring connection to their lands, waterways, and surrounding clan groups since time immemorial. We cherish the richness of First Nations peoples’ artistic and cultural expressions. We are privileged to gather on this Country and to share knowledge, culture and art, now and with future generations.

Art by Jordan Lovegrove