The Queensland Writers Centre Management Committee Chair, Theodora Le Souquet, and CEO, Kate Eltham, announced the Australian Institute for the Future of the Book or “if: book Australia” at the Melbourne Writers Festival The State Of Digital Publishing industry seminar in 2009.
What is it?
Based in Brisbane, if: book Australia will be only the third centre of excellence of its kind for digital literature established in the world, after the New York and London Institutes. It is a Queensland Writers Centre international initiative. Visit the UK branch and US branch to find out more about the kinds of projects, research and initiatives if:book is about.
if: book Australia will promote new forms of digital publishing and explore ways to boost connections between writers and audiences.
Projects
The first project for if:book Australia will be a national seminar series delivered in 2010 called Writers and Digital Markets. Supported and funded by the Literature Board of the Australia Council, the program will inform Australian writers about new opportunities to create and publish digital content.
How to get involved
if:book Australia will launch in the first half of 2010 and will function as a ‘think-and-do tank’. Queensland Writers Centre is seeking partners from across the publishing, education and media sectors who are interested in collaborative programs and research.
More information
if:book Australia is a Queensland Writers Centre national initiative. Queensland Writers Centre works to advance the recognition and enjoyment of Queensland and Australian writers throughout Australia and the world.
Read the media release on the if:book Australia announcement here, or read the media articles below, and listen to ABC Radio National's podcast with Bob Stein, Co-Founder of the US/UK Institutes.
29.08.09 'Centre of excellence for digital literature announced' by Madeline Healy in The Courier Mail
28.08.09 'The Future of the Book' by The Book Show ABC Radio National
11.04.09 'Reading the Future' by Rosemary Sorensen in The Australian