Since 2017, the Neilma Sidney Literary Travel fund has provided access to professional development for emerging, mid-career and established Australian writers and literary sector workers.
On behalf of the Myer Foundation, this round’s judges and Writers Victoria, we are thrilled to announce the Round 11 Travel Fund recipients.
- The judges for Round 11 were author and publishing all-rounder Melanie Saward (QLD), publisher and writer Terri-ann White (WA), and writer and podcaster Aimee Chan (NSW). The judges were impressed by the wide range of projects proposed both by writers and those working in the industry, from all stages of their careers, with projects spanning domestically and internationally.
This round is the first round for 2024, with approximately 120 people applying for $812,475 in funding. After much deliberation, the judges awarded $50,419 to eight recipients.
Congratulations to:
- Journalist, podcaster and presenter Elfy Scott (NSW) — awarded funding for travel to Australia, Indonesia, Vanuatu to write a book that investigates generational inequality and how young people can reclaim hope for their futures in the face of intensifying crises.
- Author Laura Jean McKay (QLD) — awarded funding to travel to San Franciso for a book tour, following the launch of GUNFLOWER and research in London and Liverpool for her next novel.
- Writer, editor and researcher Lisa Fuller (ACT) — awarded funding to travel to Queensland to attend literary events to build skills and develop networks as a Murri literary agent.
- Author Lystra Rose, (QLD) — awarded funding to travel to Japan to conduct research, experience immersive site visits and exhibitions as well as attend a self-hosted writing residency to develop final novel in The N’gian Chronicles, The Upworlding.
- Poet Jo Langdon (VIC) — awarded funding to travel to Queensland to produce new poetry responding to the State Library of Queensland’s Barbari Piscitelli AM Children’s Art Archive.
- Writer, events producer and radio maker Sam Elkin (VIC) — awarded funding to travel to North America to promote debut book with WLU Press and attend a Lambda LGBTIQA+ literary retreat trip in Philadelphia.
- Comic artist and writer Sarah Firth (VIC) — awarded funding for travel to The East Coast of USA (Boston, New York, Washington and North Carolina) for the American debut of graphic novel Eventually Everything Connects.
- Writer Sharlene Allsopp (QLD) — awarded funding to travel for Ateliers Artist in Residence at the Chateau Bouthonvilliers to collate research and begin writing Through a Glass, Darkly.
To read more about the Neilma Sidney Literary Travel Fund, including previous rounds and recipients, visit this page.