A new chapter for NSW writers, illustrators and playwrights: ten fellowships of $50,000 to give you the time, space and community to make the work that matters.
At a glance
- Ten fellowships of $50,000
- 4 emerging, 3 mid-career, 3 established
- 12-month fellowship period: 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2027
- Applications open: Monday 29 June 2026, 10am
- Applications close: Monday 27 July 2026, 2pm
About the program
NSW writers, illustrators and playwrights bring our stories to life: on the page, in pictures, and in performance. The Stories Matter: NSW Literary Fellowships are a major new investment in their work.
Ten fellows will be chosen across writing, illustration and playwriting, at emerging, mid-career and established career stages. Each receives $50,000, alongside industry connection and support. Emerging fellows also receive structured mentorship and a professional development allocation to help them build the foundations of a long creative career.
The program is delivered by Writing NSW in partnership with Create NSW, and comes out of the NSW Government’s Stories Matter strategy, a commitment to invest in NSW’s literary culture.
We can’t wait to meet the ten writers, illustrators and playwrights this round will support.
Support to apply
Full guidelines on the program are available on the application page linked above. Please be sure to read these fully before applying.
Additional resources are available:
- Frequently Asked Questions — short answers to questions applicants have raised.
- Career Stage Guidance — indicators for which career stage best fits your current practice.
- Walk-through video — a short introduction to the program and the application process.
The guidelines, FAQs and walk-through video cover most questions. For anything else, please email fellowships@writingnsw.org.au. One-to-one application support sessions are also available, and will be prioritised for applicants with accessibility needs.
The Stories Matter NSW Literary Fellowships are funded by the NSW Government through Create NSW
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