7/27/2019 MEDIA RELEASE: Australia Council drives discussion at National Writers Congress

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The Australia Council for the Arts is the Australian Governments arts funding and advisory body

16 October 2013

Australia Council drives discussion at National

Writers CongressThe Australia Council for the Arts Director Literature Jill Eddington and Literature Strategy PanelChair Sophie Cunningham will inform writers and publishers how the organisations recentchanges can provide strategic funding support and build on peer assessment at this weeksNational Writers Congress: Authorship 20/20 in Sydney.

The Australia Council is supporting the inaugural congress, which is being presented by the Australian Society ofAuthors at the Australian National Maritime Museum from Thursday 17 October to Saturday 19 October.

Ms Eddington said the recent increased funding to the Australia Council had seen more writers funded and adiscussion she would chair on Saturday would explore how the organisations review and legislative changescould provide a more strategic approach to investment in literature.

The discussion, titledA National Cultural Policy or more Australian Content?, will feature as panelists SophieCunningham, Stuart Glover, former Australia Council Literature Board member and Meg Vann, CEO of theQueensland Writers Centre.

Ms Eddington said she was delighted to be part of the event and that the Australia Council was able to support itas well as provide funds for the directors of each state and territorys writers centres to attend.

This event is a great opportunity to bring together leaders in the literature sector, including publishers, writersorganisations and authors, Ms Eddington said.

The digital age and the increased popularity of mobile devices, such as tablets, have created challenges forauthors and publishers and forums such as these provide information on the latest trends in reading andpublishing, writing practices and opportunities available in this technology-driven environment.

Ms Eddington said she and Ms Cunningham would also use the congress to inform participants how the AustraliaCouncil could assist authors develop their craft and publish their work.

The Australia Council offers several types of assistance to writers and publishers, including grants for new work,fellowships and overseas residencies, Ms Eddington said.

In 2011-12, $5.9 million was spent to support artists and organisations through these initiatives.

The National Writers Congress coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Australian Society of Authors, which is akey organisation funded by the Australia Council.

Other speakers at the event include award-winning writer Anna Funder, childrens author Libby Gleeson andbroadcaster and columnist Richard Glover.

For more information on the congress, go tohttps://asauthors.org/event/9085/authorship-2020

Media contactKaren Smith02 9215 9030 | 0498 123 541k.smith@australiacouncil.gov.au

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