Stories Matter NSW Literary Fellowships

Stories Matter NSW Literary Fellowships
Ten $50,000 fellowships for NSW writers, illustrators and playwrights at emerging, mid-career and established stages, to focus on significant new creative work over twelve months.
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Key information

  • Status: Open
  • Grant amount: Ten fellowships of $50,000 (GST exclusive): four for emerging fellows, three for mid-career fellows, and three for established fellows. One fellowship per recipient.
  • Application opened: 29 June 2026
  • Application closes: 27 July 2026, 2:00 pm

Program objective

The Stories Matter NSW Literary Fellowships empower the writers, illustrators and playwrights shaping the literary life of NSW. Ten fellowships of $50,000 each support selected practitioners to focus on significant new creative work over a twelve-month fellowship period, alongside structured sector engagement, industry access, and a final public showcase. The Program is a substantial new investment in the careers and creative output of NSW writers, recognising the importance of their work to our cultural life. 

The Program is designed and delivered by Writing NSW, with funding from Create NSW under the Strategic Funding Program 2025–2026. It realises the Literary Fund Fellowships component of the NSW Government's Stories Matter: A Writing and Literature Strategy for NSW. Writing NSW has supported the careers of the state’s writers since 1991; the fellowships extend that work at a new scale. 

Fellowships are offered across three career tiers (four for emerging fellows, three for mid-career fellows, and three for established fellows) and across three artforms: writing, illustration, and playwriting. All fellows are offered a 1:1 industry consultation matched to their artform and project goals — a one-hour session with a publisher, literary agent, theatre producer or comparable industry professional for general advice on their practice and work-in-progress, scheduled during the second half of the fellowship period. Emerging fellows additionally receive 10 hours of structured mentorship and a $1,000 professional development allocation, drawn down via Writing NSW courses, workshops or manuscript assessments. 

Intended outcomes 

Through this Program, we aim to: 

  • provide ten NSW writers, illustrators and playwrights with the time and resources to develop significant new creative work. 
  • strengthen literary careers across emerging, mid-career and established stages of practice. 
  • increase opportunities for First Nations storytellers, culturally and linguistically diverse practitioners, and writers across Western Sydney, regional and remote NSW. 
  • strengthen accessibility, equity, and broad and inclusive participation across the NSW literary sector. 
  • support the next generation of creatives and audiences through structured mentorship for emerging fellows, and sector engagement and visibility for all fellows. 

About Writing NSW 

Writing NSW is the state’s leading provider of services to writers, including courses, seminars and workshops, writing groups, networking and events, grants and prizes, and information and advice. A not-for-profit organisation formerly known as the NSW Writers’ Centre, we have been providing quality support to the writers of our state since 1991. Each year, Writing NSW’s professional development program includes more than 80 courses, structured mentorships, manuscript assessments, residencies, scholarships, fellowships and pitching opportunities, reaching more than 3,000 writers across the state. 

Funding is provided subject to agreement with a set of terms and conditions. 

This Program is designed and delivered by Writing NSW. Assessment is conducted by panel members from Create NSW's Literature Artform Board. 

This program is administered by Create NSW.

Eligibility

Who can apply

To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following: 

  • be an individual aged 18 or above at the application closing date. 
  • be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. 
  • have lived in New South Wales for at least 12 months prior to the application closing date, and remain ordinarily a resident in NSW for the duration of the fellowship period. 
  • have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) that matches the applicant's name, or be administered by an arts or cultural Funds Administrator (auspicing organisation). 
  • have an account with an Australian financial institution. 
  • be a writer, illustrator or playwright with a demonstrated body of professional creative work, with reference to the Artform-Specific Career Stage Guidance for their nominated tier (see below). 

Note: Applicants whose practice spans more than one artform (for example, a writer-illustrator or novelist-playwright) nominate one primary artform for the fellowship. They are encouraged to describe their full practice in their application as additional context.  

Who the grant is targeted towards

The Stories Matter NSW Literary Fellowships welcome applications from writers, illustrators and playwrights working across the breadth of the NSW literary sector. We welcome applications from artists operating outside traditional publishing and production pathways, including First Nations writers and storytellers, spoken word and performance poetry artists, comics creators and graphic novelists, and writers and illustrators working through independent and community publishing. Applicants from across NSW (including Western Sydney, regional and remote communities) are warmly encouraged to apply.

Artform definitions

This program defines the three eligible artforms as follows:

  • Writers: fiction, poetry, and narrative non-fiction. Academic and scholarly non-fiction (e.g., textbooks, instructional or reference works) are outside the scope of this program.
  • Illustrators: the illustrator stream supports illustration practice in literary and narrative contexts: picture books, graphic novels and comics, illustrated non-fiction, and editorial illustration in literary or comparable outlets. Pure fine arts, commercial design practice without significant literary or narrative dimension, and illustration for screen (film, television, or streaming animation) are outside the scope of this program.
  • Playwrights: the playwriting stream supports writing for live theatrical performance: plays for stage, musical theatre books and libretti, and other forms of theatrical writing. Screenwriting for film, television, or streaming is outside the scope of this program.

A note on small presses

Several of the descriptors below refer to publication by a trade or small press. For this program, a small press means a publisher with editorial selection, professional editorial oversight, and commercial distribution that operates independently of the author. It does not include self-publishing or indie/self-published work, including self-publishing through your own imprint, label or company.

Artform-Specific Career Stage Guidance

Please read these descriptors carefully and nominate the career stage that most closely fits where you are in your practice right now. For each artform and stage below, applicants at this stage typically demonstrate one or more of the indicators listed; you do not need to demonstrate every descriptor.

Writers: emerging

Applicants at this stage typically demonstrate one or more of the following:

  • one full-length work published (novel, story collection, poetry collection, narrative non-fiction). Self-published works are accepted.
  • five or more short-form works published in literary journals, anthologies, or publications with editorial oversight.
  • a demonstrable body of public-facing work in performance, spoken word, or oral storytelling traditions, evidenced by at least five featured engagements at recognised festivals, venues, programs, or community-recognised cultural contexts. This includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander oral storytelling traditions.

Writers: mid-career

Applicants at this stage typically demonstrate one or more of the following:

  • two or more full-length works published, at least one of which must be by a trade or small press.
  • a sustained body of public-facing work in performance, spoken word, or oral storytelling traditions evidenced by over 20 featured engagements at recognised festivals, venues, programs, or community-recognised cultural contexts.

Writers: established

Applicants at this stage typically demonstrate one or more of the following:

  • four or more full-length works published over a sustained career, at least two of which must be by a trade or small press.
  • a major literary award win (Miles Franklin, Stella, NSW Literary Awards, Prime Minister's Literary Awards, or equivalent).
  • a long-term dedicated career and profession in performance, spoken word, or oral storytelling traditions, demonstrated by sustained public-facing practice over many years and recognition within professional or community contexts.

Illustrators: emerging

Applicants at this stage typically demonstrate one or more of the following:

  • one full-length illustrated book published (picture book, graphic novel, illustrated non-fiction, comics collection). Self-published works are accepted.
  • five or more illustrated works published or commissioned in contexts with editorial oversight.
  • a demonstrable body of public-facing illustration work: at least one solo exhibition or three group exhibitions at recognised galleries, festivals, art venues, or as part of cultural arts programs, or through a published serialised comic or substantial illustration practice with editorial oversight or sustained audience.

Illustrators: mid-career

Applicants at this stage typically demonstrate one or more of the following:

  • two or more full-length illustrated books published, at least one of which must be by a trade or small press. Recognised cultural arts programs that produce illustrated publications with editorial oversight also count toward this requirement.

Illustrators: established

Applicants at this stage typically demonstrate one or more of the following:

  • four or more full-length illustrated books over a sustained career, at least two of which must be by a trade or small press, or through recognised cultural arts programs producing illustrated publications with editorial oversight.
  • a major award win (CBCA Book of the Year, or equivalent).

Playwrights: emerging

Applicants at this stage typically demonstrate one or more of the following:

  • one full-length play professionally produced by a theatre company, festival, or recognised independent venue.
  • two or more short-form works produced in professional or recognised independent contexts.
  • substantial engagement with one or more recognised playwright development programs (e.g., APT, MerrigongX, Griffin development programs, ATYP playwright streams).

Playwrights: mid-career

Applicants at this stage typically demonstrate one or more of the following:

  • two or more full-length plays professionally produced (any combination of mainstage, festival, or recognised independent contexts).

Playwrights: established

Applicants at this stage typically demonstrate one or more of the following:

  • sustained body of professionally produced work (four or more full-length productions).
  • a major industry award win (David Williamson Prize, Nick Enright Prize for Playwriting, or equivalent).

Types of projects funded under this grant

The fellowship supports the development of a significant new creative work in the applicant's nominated primary artform. This includes (but is not limited to):

  • a novel, story or poetry collection, or narrative non-fiction work.
  • a picture book, illustrated long-form work, graphic novel, or comics collection.
  • a full-length play or other work of theatrical writing.
  • a substantial body of new spoken word, performance poetry, or oral storytelling work.

Project proposals must clearly describe the proposed work, the applicant's plan for the fellowship period, and intended outcomes.

Who can’t apply

You are not eligible to apply if you are:

  • a Writing NSW staff member or board member, or anyone who has been on the Writing NSW staff in the previous 12 months. Contractors who invoice Writing NSW for their work, including tutors, are eligible to apply.
  • a Create NSW staff member, or anyone employed by Create NSW in the previous 12 months.
  • under 18 at the application closing date.
  • without right to work in Australia.
  • a resident of NSW for less than 12 months prior to the application closing date.
  • a full-time student whose proposed work is required for, or will be assessed as part of, an enrolled academic course (for example, an MFA thesis or PhD creative component). Students whose proposed work is independent of their study are eligible.
  • not an individual (the fellowships are awarded to individual writers, illustrators or playwrights; joint, group and organisational applications will not be accepted).
  • insolvent
  • a previous Create NSW grant recipient with an overdue acquittal.

Members of the Create NSW Literature Artform Board may apply. Any board member who applies must declare their interest and will be recused from the assessment of the Stories Matter NSW Literary Fellowships.

What costs you can't apply for

Funding cannot be used for:

  • activities delivered outside the fellowship period (1 November 2026 to 31 October 2027).
  • costs already incurred at the time of application.
  • costs incurred in the preparation of a grant application or related documentation.
  • costs not directly related to the proposed creative work.
  • work required for, or assessed as part of, an applicant's enrolled academic program.
  • screenwriting for film, television or streaming.
  • pure fine arts practice or commercial design practice without significant literary or narrative dimension.
  • repayment of loans.
  • awards, prizes, competitions, or prize money.
  • land or property purchase.
  • fundraising and donations.
  • the same activity, time, costs or outputs already funded by another grant during the fellowship period.

Note on concurrent funding. Applicants may hold concurrent funding from another source (for example, Creative Australia, philanthropic, or other grants) provided each funding stream pays for different activities, time, costs or outputs. For example, separate production funding, research travel or residency accommodation that supports the same overall project but funds distinct items or periods of work is permitted; using both the fellowship and another grant to cover the same writing time or the same publication costs is not. All confirmed and pending funding must be disclosed at application.

Example projects

This is the inaugural round of the Stories Matter NSW Literary Fellowships. Writing NSW has supported the careers of many leading Australian writers, illustrators and playwrights through related programs. Recent published examples include Eleanor Kirk, Judi Morison, John Morrissey and Lenora Thacker, whose work has progressed to publication following Writing NSW residencies and mentorships.

Additional eligibility requirements

  • One application per applicant will be assessed. If more than one application is submitted, the first application received will be accepted and all other applications will be withdrawn from consideration.
  • Funded activities must take place during the fellowship period: 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2027.

What your application needs to include

1

Prepare your application with this checklist

  • Completed application form via SmartyGrants.
  • Details about the work you plan to create during the fellowship period: a description of the work; the impact the fellowship will have on your career and practice; the contribution your work will make to the sector and the communities and places it engages with; milestones to keep the work on track; and how you will use the fellowship funding.
  • Work sample, drawn from the proposed work (see specifications below).
  • Creative CV or equivalent track record summary demonstrating sustained engagement with your artform.
  • Disclosure of any concurrent funding.
  • Review the program Frequently Asked Questions.

Use of generative AI

The Stories Matter NSW Literary Fellowships centre human creativity. The application, including the work sample and the proposed work, must represent the applicant's own creative authorship. Any use of generative AI in producing the work sample or the proposed work must be clearly identified and described in the application, including how the applicant has engaged with the tool and the role of human authorship in the work. Applicants whose practice engages with AI as a creative tool are encouraged to demonstrate engagement with relevant considerations (for example, copyright, attribution, or ethical use) in their application. Incidental use of AI for tasks such as research, brainstorming, transcription or proofreading does not need to be disclosed.

Work sample specifications

Your work sample must be drawn from the proposed work. Samples that are not from the proposed work will not be assessed.

Samples may include draft chapters, an early excerpt, a treatment with sample scenes, or other in-progress material that demonstrates the proposed work in its current form. Optional contextual notes should be no more than one paragraph.

Artform Specification

Writers

For prose (fiction, narrative non-fiction): up to 5,000 words OR 20 pages, whichever is shorter. Single or extracted chapters, with a brief contextual note optional.

For poetry: up to 10 poems OR 15 pages, whichever is shorter.

Illustrators

Up to 8 finished pieces. Brief contextual note per piece optional. Provided as one PDF file.

Playwrights

Up to 20 pages of script with a brief contextual note optional.

Audio or video work samples

If your practice is performance-based, or your proposed work is intended for spoken or theatrical delivery, you may submit an audio or video recording as your work sample in place of (not in addition to) the written sample. The recording must be drawn from the proposed work.

  • Writers (prose) up to 15 minutes of recorded reading or performance, with a brief framing note.
  • Writers (poetry, spoken word, oral storytelling): up to 15 minutes of recorded performance, with a running order or set list.
  • Playwrights: up to 20 minutes from a recorded reading, workshop excerpt, or production excerpt of the proposed work, with a brief framing note.

Audio or video work samples are not applicable to the illustrators stream, which supports work for print or other still-image formats.

The accepted formats, hosting and password rules set out below under Audio and video alternatives apply. Because recordings of this length exceed the 6MB per file upload limit, please link to an externally hosted file (for example, Vimeo) rather than uploading directly to the form.

Audio and video alternatives

Applicants may submit audio or video recordings in place of written responses for the three assessment criteria sections (artistic merit; impact and contribution; capacity to deliver). This is to support Deaf, blind, dyslexic, oral-tradition applicants, and any applicant for whom recorded response is a more authentic mode of articulation. Recordings are assessed against the same criteria with the same weighting as written responses.

  • File size: maximum 6MB per file. This applies to all file types.
  • Accepted formats: common accepted formats include mp3, m4a, wav and aac for audio, and mp4, mov, m4v and mpeg for video. The full list of accepted formats is available in the FAQs on the Writing NSW website.
  • Length guide: the artistic merit response (300 words) is equivalent to approximately 2 minutes 30 seconds of audio or video. The impact and contribution and capacity to deliver responses (200 words each) are equivalent to approximately 1 minute 50 seconds each.
  • Hosting: recordings may be uploaded to the SmartyGrants form or linked to a hosting platform. Please do not provide links to applications that require users to log in or pay for access.
  • Password-protected files: if linking to media files that are private or password protected (for example, Vimeo), please provide the password in the password field on the application form. Files that require account access to view (including content hosted on social media platforms) will not be assessed.
  • Testing your file: applicants are responsible for ensuring their audio or video file plays correctly and meets the size and format limits before submitting. Writing NSW cannot test or troubleshoot individual files.
2

Address the eligibility criteria

Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.

Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the department's discretion.

3

Address the assessment criteria

Applications will be assessed against three criteria, weighted as follows:

Artistic merit (50%)

Quality of the applicant's creative practice and the proposed work. The assessment panel will consider whether the application:

  • demonstrates a distinctive and well-developed voice
  • shows technical command of the form through the work sample
  • presents an original and ambitious proposed work
  • articulates a viable artistic vision for the fellowship year.

Impact and contribution (25%)

The impact the fellowship will have on the applicant's career, the new work, and its contribution to the literary sector and the communities and places it engages with.

Impact may take many forms, for example:

  • significantly advancing the applicant's career and creative practice
  • opening pathways for others in the literary sector
  • deepening connection to a particular community or place
  • building inclusive participation in the literary sector, or reaching new audiences.

The assessment panel will consider whether the application:

  • shows clear and meaningful impact on the applicant's career and the new work
  • contributes to the literary sector and the communities and places it engages with
  • demonstrates substantive engagement with the NSW Government's strategic priority areas: First Nations storytelling, broad and inclusive content, Regional NSW, Western Sydney, accessibility and equity, and the next generation of creatives and audiences
  • frames impact substantively, on what the fellowship and the work will do.

Capacity to deliver (25%)

The viability of the proposed work and the applicant's capacity to deliver it. The assessment panel will consider whether the application:

  • evidences prior work completed at a standard appropriate to the nominated tier
  • sets out a realistic plan for the fellowship period, including milestones, an outline of how the fellowship funds will support your work (for example, protected writing time, research, materials, or other costs directly related to developing the proposed work), and intended outcomes
  • demonstrates skills, capacity, and any necessary consultation with collaborators or community
  • for First Nations content or stories that are not the applicant's own, evidences appropriate cultural protocols and consultation

Start the application

Online platform

Create NSW uses the secure online grants system, SmartyGrants, to manage all its grant programs. All Fellowship applications must be submitted via the online portal. You will receive an email confirmation of your application from SmartyGrants when your application has been submitted.

Note: If you are a new applicant to SmartyGrants, you will need to register and create a password. If you are already registered, you can log in with your existing username and password.


Apply now

After the application is submitted

Successful applications will be decided by: CEO of Writing NSW (The CEO will accept the recommendation of the Chair of the assessment panel as to the ten fellows to be funded.)

Late applications and errors after submission

Late applications will not be accepted, except in limited circumstances where an applicant has experienced genuine technical difficulties in submitting their application before the closing time. If you experience a technical difficulty, you must contact Writing NSW at fellowships@writingnsw.org.au before the closing time of 2:00pm on Monday 27 July 2026. Where an applicant has notified Writing NSW of a technical difficulty before the closing time and can provide evidence of the issue (for example, screenshots of error messages), Writing NSW may, at its discretion, accept the application up to one hour after the closing time (by 3:00pm on Monday 27 July 2026). No applications will be accepted after this time under any circumstances.

If you identify an error or omission in your application after submitting, contact Writing NSW at fellowships@writingnsw.org.au as soon as possible. Writing NSW may, at its discretion, allow corrections to be made up until the application closing time. Corrections cannot be made after the closing time.

Application assessment

Application assessments will be conducted by an assessment panel comprising members of the Create NSW Literature Artform Board. The panel will assess applications against the published assessment criteria. External experts and advisors, such as members of the Visual Arts Artform Board, may be invited to provide additional advice during any part of the assessment process. Assessment is conducted in three stages.

Stage 1 — eligibility:

Applicants confirm in the SmartyGrants form that they meet the eligibility criteria and nominate their primary artform and career tier. The Create NSW Grants Management team conducts data validation and pre-eligibility checks during the open period and a final eligibility check after the close of applications, with the eligibility report shared with Writing NSW for approval before applications proceed to scoring.

Stage 2 — individual scoring:

Each assessment panel member independently scores eligible applications against the three published criteria (artistic merit 50%, impact and contribution 25%, capacity to deliver 25%). During individual scoring, panel members may also flag, for any application, whether they think the applicant is in the wrong career stage AND whether they think the applicant would be rated highly if moved to the correct stage. Where multiple panel members flag both for the same application, the Chair of the assessment panel will reassign the applicant to the new stage between Stage 2 and Stage 3, and the application will be re-scored at the new stage before the panel meeting.

Stage 3 — assessment meeting and final recommendations:

Individual scores are amalgamated and presented at an assessment meeting. The panel discusses the scored applications and determines its final recommendations to the decision maker. At this stage the panel considers the assessment criteria, distribution, range and scale of scores, and ensures the final recommendation of ten fellows reflects an appropriate mix of artforms (writers, illustrators and playwrights) and the published tier allocation of four emerging, three mid-career and three established fellowships. This may include prioritising applications with outcomes that better meet the program objectives or ensure equity and the best outcomes for NSW Government investment.

Writing NSW or the Create NSW assessment panel may request further advice or clarification from applicants during the assessment process. Applicants are not guaranteed funding, even if their application meets the assessment criteria.

Recommendation and decision making

Writing NSW or Create NSW may reject an application, withdraw an application from consideration, or decline to enter into a fellowship agreement with a recommended applicant, where the applicant is found to be ineligible, has provided false or misleading information, or where probity concerns arise. Where applicable, advice from a probity advisor may be considered.

Notification of application outcome

Successful applicants will be notified in writing by email approximately 1 to 2 weeks before the public announcement, and offered a briefing on the announcement plan. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email prior to the public announcement.

Anticipated assessment outcome date: October 2026.

Anticipated date for the public announcement of fellows: late 2026.

Anticipated date for fellowship agreement execution with successful applicants: October 2026.

Announcement of fellows

The names of the successful fellows will be announced on the Writing NSW website and in the Writing NSW newsletter, Newsbite. Create NSW will also publish the announcement on its channels, including the NSW Government grants and funding webpage, in line with NSW Government grants administration requirements.

Successful applications

Fellowship agreement

Successful applicants will be required to sign a fellowship agreement with Writing NSW.

No funding or other commitment is made until the fellowship agreement is fully executed. Successful applicants must not make financial commitments reliant on this grant until the agreement is signed by both parties.

The fellowship agreement can only be signed by the individual applicant or the authorised officers and delegates of the Funds Administrator (auspicing organisation) where applicable.

Fellowship payment

The fellowship is paid in two parts: $47,500 on signing of the fellowship agreement, and $2,500 on satisfactory completion of the end-of-fellowship acquittal.

Fellows are responsible for their own tax and banking arrangements. Writing NSW and Create NSW cannot provide tax or financial advice.

Variations to the fellowship agreement

Any variations to the fellowship agreement, including changes to project scope or activities, must be submitted to Writing NSW in writing for approval.

Writing NSW will assess any variation request in consultation with Create NSW where the change is material.

Unspent funds

If a fellow's project is completed and there are unspent funds remaining from the fellowship, Writing NSW may require the fellow to return the unspent funds. If the fellow requests to use the funds to extend the scope of the project, Writing NSW may assess that request, in consultation with Create NSW where appropriate, if it aligns to the objectives of the fellowship.

Indicative reporting and acquittal requirements

Fellows must:

  • participate in a midway-point check-in with Writing NSW (April or May 2027), reporting against the milestones in their application.
  • complete end-of-fellowship reporting and the individual acquittal by 31 December 2027.
  • participate in the final showcase event at Callan Park (November 2027).
  • provide 12-month post-program feedback (November 2028).

Acknowledgement

Fellows must credit Writing NSW and the NSW Government in any performance, publication or production outcomes that result from the fellowship, whether during the fellowship period or afterward. Writing NSW will provide fellows with logo files and a short credit line at the start of the fellowship.

Fellows must not publicly disclose the outcome of their application before the official public announcement, including on social media or in any other public-facing communications, to ensure the program embargo is not broken. After the public announcement, fellows must obtain written consent from Writing NSW (and Create NSW where relevant) before any significant public announcement, media engagement, marketing, or launch related to the fellowship.

Additional information

Evaluation

Writing NSW will evaluate the Stories Matter NSW Literary Fellowships to assess the effectiveness of the program and the extent to which the outcomes and objectives have been met.

Information from your application, fellowship activities and reports may be used for evaluation purposes. Writing NSW may seek to interview you or ask for more information to understand your experience. All applicants, whether successful or unsuccessful, may be contacted to participate in interviews or surveys for evaluation purposes.

Writing NSW will share evaluation findings with Create NSW as part of acquittal and program reporting.

Complaint handling

Complaints relating to any aspect of the program, including administration, application support, the assessment process, decision making, or fellowship delivery, should be submitted in writing to Writing NSW in the first instance (using the contact details at the end of this document). Writing NSW will respond to the complainant and, where the matter relates to the assessment process, escalate to Create NSW as the funder.

If you do not agree with how a complaint has been handled, you may contact the NSW Ombudsman.

Use of application information

Information submitted in applications will be used by Writing NSW, Create NSW and the assessment panel for the purpose of administering and assessing the fellowship program. Information deemed to be commercially sensitive or personal will be treated confidentially.

Ethical conduct

Applicants must not participate in any anti-competitive conduct.

It is a condition of the application process that no gifts, benefits, or hospitality are to be made to any Create NSW or Writing NSW employee at any time. Any inducement in contravention of this condition may result in an applicant's proposal not being considered.

Conflict of interest management

Conflicts of interest are any factors that could compromise the judgment, decisions, or actions of a person or group of people. Conflicts may arise if a party in the grants administration process, whether Create NSW staff, Writing NSW staff, assessment panel members, the applicant, or staff employed by the applicant, has a professional, commercial, or personal relationship that could interfere with the fair and independent conduct of the application or assessment process.

Applicants must disclose any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest as part of their application or, if successful, as they arise during the fellowship period.

Confidentiality

Successful applicants may be required to keep the outcome of the application process confidential until Writing NSW and the NSW Government make a public announcement.

Writing NSW will treat commercial-in-confidence and personal information confidentially. Information may be disclosed to Create NSW as the funder, to consultants and advisers engaged by Writing NSW to support program delivery, or where required by law.

Privacy

Writing NSW and Create NSW will collect and store the information you voluntarily provide to enable the implementation of this fellowship program. Both organisations comply with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW). The minimum personal information is collected to enable contact and to assess the merits of an application.

Applicants must ensure that people whose personal details are supplied with applications are aware that this information will be supplied to Writing NSW and Create NSW, and how this information will be used. Personal information will only be used for the purpose for which it was collected unless an exemption applies.

Writing NSW rights

Writing NSW may, at its sole discretion and without limiting any other right which Writing NSW may have, do all or any of the following at any time without giving notice or reasons:

  • request additional information or clarification from an applicant.
  • vary the requirements, process, procedure or timing of these Guidelines, with any changes published on the Writing NSW website.
  • suspend, extend or close the application round, or extend any deadline.
  • reopen the round or invite a further round of applications.
  • accept or decline a non-conforming application at its discretion.

Intellectual property

All intellectual property rights in these Guidelines remain the property of Writing NSW. Applicants are permitted to use these Guidelines for the purpose of preparing an application only.

Fellows retain all intellectual property rights in the creative work they produce during the fellowship. Writing NSW and Create NSW claim no ownership of the creative work itself.

Applications submitted in response to these Guidelines remain the property of the applicant. The applicant agrees that Writing NSW and Create NSW may make copies and reproduce applications for any purpose related to the administration and assessment of the fellowship program.

No offer

These Guidelines are not an offer, recommendation, or invitation by Writing NSW or Create NSW in respect of any contract or commitment. Subject to a fellowship agreement being fully executed by the parties to it, nothing in these Guidelines will form the basis of any contract or commitment.

Disclaimer

Writing NSW and Create NSW do not guarantee or warrant and accept no legal liability whatsoever arising from or connected to the accuracy, reliability, currency, or completeness of any material contained in this publication. Information in this publication is provided as general information only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from a qualified professional.

These Guidelines are subject to change at any time at the discretion of Writing NSW, in consultation with Create NSW. Any updates during the application open period will be published on the Writing NSW website with the date of update noted.

Support and contact

Writing NSW staff are available to provide general information on the interpretation of these Guidelines and support with the online application process.

Contact details

FAQs and information resources

To support applicants in preparing their applications, Writing NSW has produced:

  • a written Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document on the Writing NSW website, covering tier placement, hybrid practice, audio and video alternatives, and the application process generally. The FAQ is updated during the application period with new questions as they come in from applicants, with the date of each update noted at the top of the page so applicants who visited earlier can see what is new.
  • an FAQ video walking through the program and the application process.
  • the Artform-Specific Career Stage Guidance grid, published in the FAQ section of the Writing NSW website.

Accessibility support

Writing NSW is committed to enabling equal access to the Stories Matter NSW Literary Fellowships. We offer the following access options:

  • applications can be submitted via audio or video recording in place of written responses for the three criteria sections.
  • 1:1 application support sessions are available on request, particularly for First Nations, culturally and linguistically diverse, regional and remote applicants, and applicants with disability. To arrange a session tailored to meet your needs, email fellowships@writingnsw.org.au and let us know what would help.
  • applicants who require alternative formats or other access support should contact Writing NSW as early as possible in the application open period.
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