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| First Nations Australia Writers Network | |
|---|---|
| Name | First Nations Australia Writers Network |
| Formation | 2012 |
| Type | Arts organisation |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Region served | Australia |
| Language | English, Indigenous Australian languages |
First Nations Australia Writers Network is an Australian Indigenous writers' collective that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander poets, novelists, playwrights, screenwriters and spoken-word artists. It operates alongside arts bodies and cultural institutions to promote literary production and cultural transmission through mentoring, publishing, advocacy and events. The network collaborates with publishers, festivals and councils to increase visibility for Indigenous storytelling across Australia and internationally.
The network was founded in 2012 with connections to Indigenous arts leaders, community organisations and literary groups including Australia Council for the Arts, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, National Indigenous Radio Service, Blacktown Arts Centre and prominent writers such as Yolngu authors, Bruce Pascoe-linked scholars and contemporaries of Sally Morgan. Early activity intersected with workshops involving State Library of New South Wales, Museums Victoria, University of Melbourne departments, and regional arts bodies in Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia. Over time the network engaged with national festivals like Perth Festival, Melbourne Writers Festival and Sydney Writers' Festival and with awards such as the Miles Franklin Award and the Victorian Premier's Literary Awards through advocacy for Indigenous representation.
The network's mission aligns with the cultural priorities of communities represented by custodians from regions like the Torres Strait Islands, Arnhem Land, Bundjalung Nation and Gunditjmara Country. Objectives include creating pathways to publication with publishers such as Allen & Unwin, Pan Macmillan Australia and Hachette Australia; mentoring emerging writers influenced by figures like Oodgeroo Noonuccal, Kim Scott and Ali Cobby Eckermann; and promoting literacy initiatives associated with institutions like State Library of Queensland and Australian National University. The organisation also prioritises language revitalisation with Indigenous language centres and cultural authorities in partnership with AIATSIS.
Programs include writing mentoring schemes that connect mentees with established authors who have worked with entities such as ABC Radio National, SBS Television, Screen Australia and National Film and Sound Archive. Initiatives run manuscript development workshops modelled on programs from Varuna, The Writers' House, residency exchanges with galleries like Australian Centre for the Moving Image and community outreach mirroring projects by Blak & Bright and Deadly Writing Workshops. The network administers microgrants similar to those from Australia Council for the Arts and coordinates regional tours linked to festivals such as Remote Area Aboriginal Children's Services events and programs at venues like Carriageworks.
Membership encompasses poets, playwrights, screenwriters and non-fiction authors drawn from communities in Torres Strait, Kakadu National Park region, La Perouse, Alice Springs and urban centres like Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth. Governance structures reference models used by organisations such as Ninti One and Indigenous Literacy Foundation, and feature boards with representatives from institutions including AIATSIS, National Indigenous Television, State Library of South Australia and community-controlled legal services. Committees liaise with councils and trusts such as Australia Council for the Arts and regional arts development organisations across New South Wales and Tasmania.
The network supports anthologies, chapbooks and digital publications distributed through publishers and imprints linked to University of Queensland Press, UWA Publishing and community presses similar to Magabala Books. It curates readings and panels at major festivals including Melbourne Writers Festival, Sydney Writers' Festival and Word Christchurch and organises dedicated events at venues like State Library of New South Wales and Brisbane Writers Festival. The network's showcases feature collaborations with artists associated with Belvoir St Theatre, Bangarra Dance Theatre and screen practitioners supported by Screen Australia.
Key partnerships involve cultural institutions and funding bodies such as Australia Council for the Arts, AIATSIS, State Library of Victoria and major universities like University of Sydney and Monash University. Advocacy campaigns have engaged with award committees for the Stella Prize, Commonwealth Writers Prize and national funding reviews, and have partnered with media organisations including ABC and SBS to promote Indigenous literary content. The network also collaborates with language centres, legal services and health providers to support writers working in community contexts across Cape York, Torres Strait Islands and remote communities.
The network has contributed to the careers of writers shortlisted for national prizes such as the Miles Franklin Award, Victorian Premier's Literary Awards and the Stella Prize, and its alumni have held residencies at institutions like Varuna, Bundanon Trust and been commissioned by ABC and National Film and Sound Archive. Recognition includes collaborations with festivals and honours from bodies such as Australia Council for the Arts and regional arts councils in Northern Territory and Queensland, and influence on policy discussions at gatherings involving AIATSIS and national cultural agencies.
Category:Australian literature Category:Indigenous Australian writers