First Friday, our monthly conversation with an industry professional, is a chance for our community to learn more about the writing and publishing industry. This August, we invite you to our online event with Wenona Byrne, Head of Literature at the Australia Council for the Arts.

Wenona joins us to discuss her career journey, her insider tips on applying for Australia Council grants, and what we might expect from Creative Australia following the Australian Government’s National Cultural Policy announcement.

This event starts online at 12:30pm, via Zoom, and will run for 60 minutes. If there is time, we will take audience questions at the end. Free and open to members and non-members, but RSVPs are essential.

Registered attendees will receive a link to access this event online immediately prior to the event start time on Friday 4 August.

WENONA BYRNE, HEAD OF LITERATURE AT THE AUSTRALIA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS

Wenona Byrne is the Head of Literature at the Australia Council for the Arts where she provides advice about issues affecting writers and the literary sector.

Before joining the Australia Council, Wenona worked in publishing for 11 years, including nine years as Rights Manager with independent publisher Allen & Unwin. While at A&U, Wenona worked closely with Australian authors, pitching titles to international publishers in North America, UK, Europe and Asia. Wenona worked on a number of industry and Australia Council initiatives including as a committee member for the Visiting International Publishers Program.

Wenona previously worked at Australian Literary Management, a literary agency in Sydney and as a writer/director in film and television as well as a freelance feature writer.

Wenona holds a Bachelor of Arts (Directing) from the Australian Film, Television and Radio School as well as a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sydney.

Catch up with our previous First Friday events on Event Recap.