The WestWords Academy is a year-long training program for up to emerging writers and multi-disciplinary artists.
Each year the WestWords Academy provides early career development to the cohort of selected artists, supporting and mentoring them to hone their craft, develop projects, seek opportunities and run arts events. Throughout the year WestWords will organise seminars and workshops, led by expert facilitators focussing on everything you need to know to be a writer – beyond the words on the page. This program is proudly supported by Create NSW.
The program will include opportunities to gain hands-on experience running events and showcasing your work. You will have access to WestWords workshops and masterclasses, mentorship opportunities, and its knowledge bank.
- Topics covered include administration for the independent artist, pitching, building community, presentation skills, event planning, building your ‘brand’, where to find outlets for your work, resources amongst others.
- 90-minute seminars will take place once a month
- A showcase event will be scheduled and run in November by the members of the Academy, supported by WestWords
- Each writer will receive individual mentorship on the Academians writings provided by a staff writer
For 2024, applications will open Feb 2.
Application close March 18th.
For those interested in applying for 2024, we’d love to invite you to the 2023 Academy Showcase on December 8th, 2023. Meet alumni and this year’s Academy, and learn more about the program. Free RSVP here. From those who wish to get a head start on their application, the application will ask for:
- 5 page sample of your writing
- 1 page synopsis of the creative project you will be working on during the Academy
- 1 page writers biography/CV detailing your experience. (Please include name, contact phone, email and land address)
- 1 page cover letter – tell us why you want to join the academy. What are your passions and interests, and why is this opportunity right for you, at this time?
There is no entry fee.
Upon acceptance, there is $280 administration fee to cover the year long program.
Applications must demonstrate a devoted interest in a word-based art form.
Emerging is defined as the first five years of practice without a major publication.
WestWords Academy is open to 18+ emerging writers who are looking to make a career from their writing. The Academy is open to anyone, but applicants from Western Sydney will be prioritised.
Successful applicants are expected to commit to the year-long program to the best of their ability. (Monthly seminars, writing groups, mentorships, and where possible, live events).
“I would tell any new Academians to make the absolute most of the program, even if you’re not feeling well and struggling to engage. What I gained from it was invaluable. Go to every seminar, engage as much as possible, because it will benefit you in ways you probably couldn’t have predicted before diving head-first into it. The first session on admin was everything I hoped for, the session on pitching to agents was even better and the session on planning events was flawless.” – Benjamin D.Muir, 2020 Academian
“As part of the academy, I was able to increase my knowledge of the Australian publishing industry and learn from the wisdom of authors and other experts who took the time to impart what they knew. I had access to authors/editors/industry experts that I might not have had if I had sought it out on my own. The academy also gave me the opportunity to network with other local writers and creatives, some of whom, I am sure, will go on to be friends.” – Samara Lo, 2021 Academian
Academy Live! 2023
In 2023, with the support of Parramatta City Council, once a month we were able to turn our Parramatta centre for writing into an open mic night for our Academians!
This year’s academy, alumni of the program, and those planning to apply in 2024, were welcomed onto our stage to share their prose, poetry, visual art and music. Each month featured a guest writer as host and a featured musician.
We congratulate the Academy on their year of performance, and taking the risk of sharing their brand new work in front of a crowd. We can’t wait to do it again in 2024!