Writing NSW representatives met with NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin last week to discuss funding for the literature sector, including the recent decision to discontinue multi-year funding for Writing NSW at the end of this year. We thank the Minister for making time during a busy sitting week to meet with our Chair Joel Naoum, CEO Jane McCredie, writer Benjamin Law and Penguin Random House publisher Meredith Curnow.

The wide-ranging conversation covered everything from the challenges writers face in earning an income to the ongoing transformation of the publishing industry in response to technological change. Mr Harwin made it clear he recognises the key role of Writing NSW in our state’s literary landscape and the strong support for us from the writing community. He is open to further discussions after the current review of the state’s arts service organisations is completed next month. Mr Harwin has always been a strong advocate for the arts within the state government and we are grateful for his consideration of the matters we raised.

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