Patricia Kailis International Writing Fellowship 2026
April 3, 2026
The Patricia Kailis International Writing Fellowship returns with $12,000 on offer for a writer connected to the Indian Ocean. The Fellowship enables an international writer to undertake a 15-day long paid residency at Centre for Stories in Perth, Western Australia. Applications open Friday 3 April 2026 and close Friday 8 May 2026 at 5:00 PM AWST.
Dr Patricia Kailis was a highly respected doctor, academic, astute businesswoman, community leader and philanthropist. The matriarch of the Kailis pearling and fishing family, Dr Kailis was also a remarkable medical researcher who lay the groundwork for the identification of genes related to certain diseases. She was a support to, and mentor of, women who aspired to achieve the heights of their profession and in turn becoming a support for the community. She had a deep interest in issues impacting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Dr Kailis was committed to the arts in all its diversity and in the opportunity for individual and communal expression.
The Fellowship is made possible through the generous support of her son, Dr George Kailis.
Applicants must be living outside of Australia at the time of application and must be able to travel to Perth, Western Australia in order to create new literary work.
The Patricia Kailis International Writing Fellowship aims to:
- Enable access to emerging writers in Western Australia to writers of international reputation.
- Support the work of talented individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to ideas and practices that foster belonging and better cross-cultural understanding.
- Deepen and broaden the literary culture in Western Australia.
Please read the Patricia Kailis International Writing Fellowship Guidelines before applying.
Please email info@centreforstories.com for any questions.
2025 Patricia Kailis International Writing Fellow
This is a very unique fellowship. It feels so personal and so informal. I really felt at home. – Lathika George
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