We’re writing to let you know the good news that we will be able to continue offering our extensive programs and services for writers throughout 2021.
You probably know that Writing NSW has been facing an uncertain future due to the Create NSW decision to cease our multi-year funding at the end of this year. This week, we received two pieces of news that together assure our future at least for next year. We have been granted $100,000 in funding from the federal government, via the Australia Council. This is the maximum amount of funding available and represents a real recognition of the vital role we play in the literary ecosystem. Yesterday, we also learnt that we will receive annual funding of $190,000 from Create NSW. Together, these two grants mean we will have the resources we need to continue our work supporting writers in 2021. We are grateful to both funding bodies for their support.
However, restoration of our multi-year funding from the state government remains vitally important if we are to have the strong future the writers of this state deserve. We have been in conversation with Create NSW and Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin, about this over recent months and are hoping for a response soon. Thank you to all of you who have written to the Minister or your local MP. We have been moved by the way the writing community has rallied around us, and we know your voices have been heard. Create NSW recently announced a substantial one-off funding boost for literature projects as part of its COVID-19 response, something that would not have happened without all your efforts. If you haven’t written to Mr Harwin yet, it’s not too late. You can find out how to help here.
With our future now secure at least for next year, we are working hard to bring you an outstanding range of programs and services in 2021. To help us do that, we are looking to recruit a team member to work on our events and communications. See here for details and please share the opportunity with your networks. Over the summer, we will also be working to reopen our building and will be in touch about the plans for that early next year.
Thank you for your support during this difficult year and we look forward to helping you with your writing in 2021.
With best wishes for the holiday season and hopes for a better writing year in 2021,
Jane McCredie
CEO
Joel Naoum
Chair
Read past updates on the future of Writing NSW from chair Joel Naoum here.
Read about our meeting with NSW Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin here.
Media Links:
Writing NSW faces existential crisis after funding cut, Sydney Morning Herald, 10 August 2020