Regional Writers in Libraries
To encourage more active use of libraries by introducing readers to writers, writingWA conducts a Writers in Libraries program which now incorporates a specific allocation for regional libraries.
A Western Australian writer will visit the library and run a workshop or reading for the public. writingWA will pay the writer's fee at applicable ASA rates.
If the writer is not from the local region, writingWA will also cover travel costs within the state.
writingWA will confirm travel payment arrangements if your application is approved.
The writer invoices writingWA direct on completion of the event.
All other costs, and promotion, are the responsibility of the library. Librarians may, if they wish, provide refreshments and charge an entry fee. writingWA will not subsidise refreshments and does not expect to receive any part of any entry fee.
After each event, the Librarian should complete a simple acquittal form reflecting attendance numbers and a short comment about the impact of the event. No other report is required.
Librarians can participate simply by contacting writingWA by email and requesting support.
Librarians are encouraged to nominate writers from their local area. If the Librarian is unaware of writers in their area, or has particular genre writing in mind, or particular authors, writingWA can assist by providing a short list of suitable writers. To maximise chances of receiving funding for this program, collaborate with another organisation or group in your region.
To apply, register your interest with writingWA by sending an email (address at the bottom of the page.) You will need to have confirmation from your chosen author and also provide us with details of the date and times of the event. If you don't know how to contact your author, writingWA can help you find them or someone else suitable.
Top Priority (the best way to get funding)
- Organise a 1 hour Writer in Library session
- Organise a Country Writing Group Workshop. Your local region needs to have a writers' group to qualify for this. Refer to the 'Country Writing Workshops' for further details. If your region doesn't have one why not start one up at your library or community centre?
- Organise one other speaking or reading engagement through your local school, community centre, arts centre or maybe the pub. This type of activity will not be funded by the centre, but your willingness to organise such a session will enhance your chances of receiving funding for the overall project
- Or alternately make the above project part of an existing or forthcoming regional festival. Details regarding the Regional Writers Festival Fund are available in this section.
We do not expect the library to have the time to organise all the above. The idea is that the library would collaborate with other organisations/groups in the town. Under this model the writer would do 3 presentations in your region over a couple of days. For instance, they may do a library presentation on a Friday, followed by a workshop with local writers on the Saturday and a reading/speaking engagement on the Saturday night.
- To further enhance your chances of funding why not try to collaborate with another region close to you? The writer could perform in your region then go on to a nearby location (that has successfully applied for funding), therefore further maximising the writer's and community's time and promotion of the event/s.
writingWA realises the above model will take some work and we are willing to offer advice in regards to types of writers available and regional writers' groups that you may be unaware of. We believe the benefit of this approach is that it creates community spirit by offering the chance to collaborate with other organisations in your town and, in some cases, neighbouring regions.
Medium Priority
- Organise a 1 hour Writer in Library session
- Organise one of the other gigs mentioned in the Top Priority section
Low Priority
- Organise a 1 hour Writer in Library session
Please note: The priority listing is a guide to the best ways to get funding. Satisfying the Top Priority does not guarantee funding, the same as Low Priority does not dismiss the chance of funding. All proposals will be considered on artistic merit as well as meeting the priority requirements.