Western Edge Youth Arts

SEED: FIRST NATIONS WRITING PROGRAM

Are you a First Nations or Torres Strait Islander young person (aged 18-30) with a creative writing idea you're keen to deepen?

Mentorships

Opportunity Details

Closing Date

Jul 23, 2025

Location

National

Artform

Writing and Publishing

Western Edge is excited to introduce Seed: First Nations Writing Program!  

The Seed Writing Program will support a First Nations artist, with a connection to Naarm’s West, to develop their writing over a three-month period.

You’ll receive a $5,000 artist fee, mentorship from Jane Harrison and Tahlee Fereday, and time to nurture an idea you’ve been waiting to shape.

With a focus on performance writing in any genre, this program is about process, autonomy, and creative support. Whether you want to write theatre, film, poetry, songwriting, sci-fi — anything! There’s no pressure to create a finished product or present a public outcome. Instead, you’ll set your own goals in collaboration with your mentors. 

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear your idea!

 

EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST 

Our Expression of Interest (EOI) consists of three key questions. You’ll be asked to share: 

  • A bit about your connection to the western suburbs – whether you live here, grew up here, or have another relationship to the area 
  • A bit about your idea or intention – what you want to work on during the program 
  • A sample of your writing (see below for ideas) 

You can respond to the EOI questions in writing, or by attaching an audio or video recording.  

We are open to submissions in languages other than English.

If you have any questions about the program, we would love to have a yarn. Reach out to us at programs@westernedge.org.au or on 03 8658 4052.  

 

KEY DATES 

EOI opens Wednesday 25 June 2025  

EOI closes at 10am, Wednesday 23 July 2025 

Program begins from 4 August 2025 

Program concludes 7 November 2025 

 

This program is generously supported by Creative Australia and Creative Victoria. 

For more information click here