To apply for the Parramatta Laureateship in Literature, please first download and read the Information Sheet here, which includes details about the Laureateship, selection criteria, application process and cultural guidance. First Nations authors and Writers of Colour are welcome and encouraged to apply. 

Selection criteria for the Parramatta Laureate in Literature that will need to be addressed in the application form on Submittable are:

1. Proposal for major work – a brief overview of the scope and form of the major work to be undertaken during the Laureateship, including how it draws on previous work across applicant’s career to date, and its specific relevance to the Parramatta region (max. 600 words);

2. Evidence of 3 significant published works – including a brief comment on each work and its public or cultural importance/impact (max. 150 words each). Evidence can be provided via attached documents or by weblinks;

3. Evidence of connection to Parramatta region – including a brief comment about links to different communities, places and environments of the region, as embraced in Parramatta 2050 and the city’s Cultural Strategy. The Laureate will be an advocate for the Parramatta region, and we are interested in their history of creative and/or cultural engagement with its people and places (max. 300 words);

4. Evidence of public engagement – including a brief comment on up to 3 activities completed previously as a public advocate for literature and/or the arts. The Laureate will be giving two workshops and dealing directly with communities, and we want to ensure they are comfortable in this ambassadorial role (max. 150 words each);

5. Awareness of ethical conduct – including a brief comment on how they understand a duty of care towards the different communities, students and young people they will encounter as the Parramatta Laureate in Literature (max. 300 words).

Applicants also will be asked to upload a summary C.V. of 2-3 pages and provide details for two referees, who if required will be approached for phone or email references. The Parramatta Laureate in Literature will be appointed by the SRB/WSRC after applications are reviewed by a Parramatta Laureate in Literature Advisory Panel. The panel will include representatives from local communities, the SRB/WSRC, City of Parramatta and the local arts sector; First Nations peer review will be sought where appropriate. The panel can provide brief feedback on applications upon request. It is anticipated that the Laureate will be appointed in December 2025 to immediately commence scoping conversations, with a complete draft of the final work to be delivered late in 2026. The Laureate will also be supported in finding publishing opportunities throughout 2027 (see indicative timeline on the Information Sheet).