Queensland Writers find new home at State Library
The Queensland Writers Centre will lead an innovative new headquarters for writing and reading at the State Library of Queensland from early 2010.
The relocation of Queensland Writers Centre and allied organisations, including Queensland Poetry Festival, Book Links (Qld) and Children’s Book Council of Australia (Qld), is the first project for new initiative A State of Writing.
A State of Writing, announced in September 2009 by Premier and Minister for the Arts Anna Bligh at the ceremony for the Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards, will connect writers, readers and ideas through a vibrant network of writing and cultural organisations in Queensland.
Queensland State Librarian, Lea Giles-Peters, said she welcomes the Queensland Writers Centre to the State Library as part of the redevelopment of Level 2, and anticipates innovative new ways it will benefit the Library’s existing public programming.
“Their exciting writing programs will boost the activities at the State Library, increasing the impact of both organisations in Brisbane and across the state,” she said of Queensland Writers Centre.
“We look forward to working on big ideas, events, workshops, residencies, launches, and festivals together.”
The new initiative will drive community engagement through writing and reading and include the recently launched Institute for the Future of the Book (known as if:book Australia), the Queensland Poetry Festival, Book Links (Qld), and Children’s Book Council of Australia (Qld).
Established by Queensland Writers Centre, if:book Australia is only the third centre of excellence of its kind for digital literature established in the world, and will promote new forms of digital publishing and explore ways to boost connections between writers and audiences.
The redevelopment of Level 2 of the State Library consolidates writing-related activities in Queensland into one vibrant hub that benefits and engages the community through writing, similar to those found in Canada and the United Kingdom.
Queensland Writers Centre Chair Theodora Le Souquet said the move to the State Library was a natural progression for writing and reading in Queensland.
“This is about doing more for Queensland writers,” said Ms Le Souquet.
“In the Library environment we look forward to servicing Queensland’s writing sector even further, by developing new connections, strategic collaborations and opportunities for Queensland writers and readers.
“By bringing these allied organizations together with QWC at the Library, we can deliver more opportunities for Queensland writers.”
Through the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Writers Centre will provide space for public workshops, education and cultural programs and residencies.
During this transition, Queensland Writers Centre will continue to service its strong membership of over 2300 people throughout Queensland.
Queensland Writers Centre works to advance the recognition and enjoyment of Queensland and Australian writers throughout Australia and the world.