*Extended – now closing 6 May

About the program

We are pleased to announce that Overland will be running two writing residencies in 2019, both of which are supported by the Malcolm Robertson Foundation. These residencies will again address a lack of opportunities for underrepresented writers, providing space, time, stipend and mentorship.

Feedback from previous applicants suggested that we needed to:

– increase the stipend (the previous stipend of $500 per week was less than the minimum wage)

– ensure that writers outside the Greater Melbourne area aren’t excluded from these kinds of literary opportunities

– provide support so that resident-writers have the option of bringing their families along on the residency if they so wish

Introducing our (new and improved) writing residency model

1. Successful residency applicants will receive a stipend based on the award rate for a working writer (early-career) – $882.80 per week. (Thank you, Malcolm Robertson Foundation!)
2. In 2019, both residencies will be open to local writers and writers living outside the Greater Melbourne area or interstate.

This is where it gets a little complicated, so bear with us: we are going to allow for two versions of both residencies – a one-month interstate residency, with travel and accommodation, OR a three-month local residency. Both residencies are costed at the same amount ($10,593.60), and will be awarded to the strongest applicants – local, regional or interstate – whom the residency will most benefit.

Both residencies will take place at the Overland offices at Victoria University, Nicholson Street campus, and include access to a secure and private office.

Note that all queries about either writing residency should be sent to overland@vu.edu.au.

Our first residency – between May and August* 2019

(*Approximate timeline)

Our first residency of 2019 is for a writer who identifies as a woman, and who is the sole primary carer of one or more children. The residency is open to writers anywhere in Australia, but must start by June 2019. The resident-writer will be mentored by Alison Croggon, and will have the opportunity to meet with Alison regularly, receiving detailed feedback at the beginning and conclusion of the residency.

Applicants should be working on a book-length writing project (or equivalent) in any form, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art/graphic, screenwriting, playwriting, experimental etc.

Our second residency – between August and November* 2019

(*Approximate timeline)

Our second residency of 2019 is for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander writer at any stage of their career. The residency is open to writers anywhere in Australia, but must start by September 2019. The resident-writer will be mentored by Jeanine Leane, and will have the opportunity to meet with Jeanine regularly, receiving detailed feedback at the beginning and conclusion of the residency.

Applicants should be working on a book-length writing project (or equivalent) in any form, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art/graphic, screenwriting, playwriting, experimental etc.

How to apply

Please read the entry conditions below to confirm eligibility.

Applications will be accepted through Submittable and should include:

• up to 500 words about how the residency would help you in your particular circumstances
• a short synopsis of your current project (up to 300 words)
• a chapter (or equivalent extract) from your current work-in-progress

Applications close 11:59 pm, Monday 6 May 2019. All applications are confidential.

If you have any queries about your eligibility, please contact overland@vu.edu.au.

Entry conditions

The residency recipients will be announced by mid May 2019.

1. If based in Melbourne, the successful applicant will receive a three-month residency at Overland’s offices in Footscray, Melbourne; a stipend of $882.80 per week ($10,593.60 in total); and a mentorship.
2. If applying from outside the Greater Melbourne area or interstate, the successful applicant will receive a one-month residency at Overland’s offices in Footscray, Melbourne; transport costs to Melbourne and return (up to $2000); accommodation (up to $3000); a lump-sum stipend (approx. $5,593.60); and a mentorship.
3. Applicants for our first residency should be women writers who are the primary carers of one or more children (that is, who identify as a sole parent, single mother or similar) and working on a book-length project or equivalent.
4. Applicants for the second residency of 2019 should identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander writer, and be working on a book-length project or equivalent.
5. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of Australia.
6. Submissions will be processed electronically. Please use a legible font and font size.
7. There is no application fee.
8. The closing date for applications is 11:59 pm, Monday 6 May 2019. Late entries will not be accepted.
9. The judge panel’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.

Submit a writing residency application

For our first residency, for women writers who are sole parents, submit through this portal.

For our second residency, for First Nations Australian writers, submit through this portal.

The 2019 Overland writing residencies are generously sponsored by the Malcolm Robertson Foundation, with support from Victoria University

Image: cover crop from A room of one’s own