Entries are now open for the prestigious Queensland Literary Awards (QLA) and Queensland Writers Fellowships, with total prize money increasing from $205,000 to $240,000 this year. Many of the prizes have increased from $10,000 to $15,000 and writers can also apply for one of three Queensland Writers Fellowships, funded through Arts Queensland and the State Library of Queensland to support professional development. This year the awards will celebrate 30 years of the David Unaipon Award for an Unpublished Indigenous Writer and the second year of the QUT Digital Literature Award. Both awards now offer $15,000 prize money. Nominations close 5pm on Thursday 31 May 2018, with winners announced at an awards ceremony in October.
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch says the Queensland Government aims to support the QLA to nurture the next generation of writers. “I’m pleased to note the success of the QLAs, and the Queensland Government’s commitment to match the sponsorship funding across the Queensland Literary Awards which has helped to generate more investment from the private sector,” said Leeanne. “The Queensland Premier’s Award for a Work of State Significance to the value of $25,000 has recognised the exceptional work of Queensland writers Bill Wilkie, Lesley and Tammy Williams and Libby Connors.”
Minister Enoch encouraged young writers under 30 years of age to apply for two Queensland Premier’s Young Publishers and Writers Awards, each to the value of $12,500. “These two awards are for young Queensland writers in traditional or contemporary forms.”
The State Librarian and CEO Vicki McDonald says, “State Library is proud to support the Queensland Literary Awards which allow authors to showcase their work and provide pathways to develop sustainable careers in the literary field. We are grateful to have the continued support of key QLA partners including the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, The University of Queensland, Griffith University, the University of Southern Queensland, QUT, Copyright Agency Cultural Fund, The Courier-Mail and Jenny Summerson.”
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