Drewe, Krien awarded Copyright Agency fellowships

Robert Drewe and Anna Krien have received writers fellowships, worth $80,000 each, from the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund.

Drewe was awarded the Author Fellowship to write his novel Nimblefoot, which is based on Australia’s first international sporting hero of ‘pedestrianism’ (walking matches). ‘It follows his wild endeavours, which included becoming a jockey and winning the Melbourne Cup riding the coincidently named Nimblefoot in 1870,’ the Copyright Agency said.

Anna Krien was awarded the Nonfiction Writing Fellowship for her book The Long Goodbye: Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, which will be published in 2022. ‘Krien wrote a Quarterly Essay in 2017 on the Great Barrier Reef, and her fellowship project is an extension of that essay, investigating the science, economics, energy policy and players involved in the reef’s challenges,’ the Copyright Agency said.

‘The fellowships support our seasoned writers to create new and groundbreaking work on important topics that enrich our lives and contribute to Australia’s literary landscape by tapping into uniquely Australian narratives and new perspectives on Australian life,’ said Copyright Agency CEO Adam Suckling. ‘The calibre of this year’s applicants was outstanding, reflecting the extraordinary writing talent we have in this country.’

The Author Fellowship was assessed by author Tegan Bennett Daylight, reviewer and literary critic Stephen Romei and Magabala Books publisher Rachel Bin Salleh. The Nonfiction Fellowship was assessed by writers Paul Daley, Jane Rawson and Nam Le.

Category: Awards Local news