News update

Writing Australia opens opportunity to deliver next phase of the black&write! program

Writing Australia has opened an opportunity for organisations to deliver services supporting First Nations editorial development, marking the transition of the highly regarded black&write! program to an industry-led model embedded within the publishing sector.

For many years, the program has supported the development of First Nations editors and publication of books by First Nations writers through its delivery by the State Library of Queensland. This next phase will see the program delivered within a publishing environment, strengthening pathways for First Nations editorial talent.

Organisations with a demonstrated track record of publishing work by First Nations writers are invited to submit proposals to deliver the services.

Funding of up to $150,000 per year for two years is available for the successful delivery partner.

Proposals open Friday 13 March 2026 and close Tuesday 12 May 2026.

More information about the opportunity, including proposal requirements and eligibility, is available here.

We acknowledge the many Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and honour their Elders past and present.

We respect their deep enduring connection to their lands, waterways, and surrounding clan groups since time immemorial. We cherish the richness of First Nations peoples’ artistic and cultural expressions. We are privileged to gather on this Country and to share knowledge, culture and art, now and with future generations.

Art by Jordan Lovegrove