Inclusion Matters

Inclusion Matters was a fellowship and mentoring project at the Centre for Stories for emerging CaLD writers funded by the Copyright Agency and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

The project consisted of two streams: a Mentoring Program and the Centre for Stories Hot Desk Fellowships. Both were open to writers that wished to improve their craft, to work in a supportive community, and who had projects that would benefit from feedback. Both programs were designed for people living in Western Australia who identify as culturally and linguistically diverse.

Centre for Stories Hot Desk Fellowship

Thirteen writers completed a 10-week Hot Desk Fellowship at the Centre for Stories during 2019-2020. These writers used their time at the Centre for Stories to network and research, work on perfecting old work, editing completed work, and developing new work. You can read stories and poems developed during the writers’ Hot Desk from our On The Page series here.

The Hot Desk Fellows reflected on their experience at the Centre for Stories, stating that;

“It is really special to be a part of a community of writers and readers who are so open to people from all walks of life and who are so eager to support the new faces. I always feel really at home and safe to develop my work in such a place.” – Patrick Gunasekera

“Whenever I go to the Centre for Stories, I always feel like I am going home. The Centre definitely fits well in the multiplicity that is my homes. Here, there is an abundance of love and passion and commitment to nurturing a strong sense of community and belonging for anyone who walks through the Centre’s doors.”    – Tinashe Jakwa

You can read their interviews from our On The Table series here.

Mentoring Program

Thirteen emerging writers completed a 12-month Mentoring Program at the Centre for Stories during 2019-2020. Paired with an established mentor, the emerging writers developed new skills and networks through the many workshops, events, and mentoring opportunities offered as part of the program. The emerging writers specifically worked on developing a completed piece appropriate for publication.

“Writing genre fiction, it makes a really big difference to work with someone who understands and works in the same genre. Matt has so much experience and good advice to share, and his book recommendations are on point.” – Josephine Newman

“Well the Inclusion Matters program has meant that I’ve been able to meet lots of other writers, that I’ve had access to literary events at the Centre.” – Jay Anderson

You can read their interviews from our Writer’s Profiles here.