Tasmanian Writers’ Centre
Finishing up a successful year with the Tasmanian Writers Centre as Twitch Co-ordinator, Claire McCarthy is venturing over the seas to Canada where she will embark on new creative journeys. Claire has brought our local young writers together for learning and for fun with our Twitch Tuesdays, Young Writers in the City programs, Hot Desk, and workshops with the Youth Arts and Recreation Centre. We give an enormous thanks to Claire, and wish her luck on her year ahead!
We are thrilled to see another talented woman joining the team as our new Twitch Co-ordinator. Kirsty Madden is looking forward to supporting emerging Tasmanian writers grow their craft, and to build professional development opportunities for young writers. She plans to expand the program further to young people from diverse backgrounds and in regional Tasmania. Kirsty’s own background is in human rights advocacy and policy development, working locally, interstate and overseas for NGOs and government and recently returned from London studying an MA in International Relations and Diplomacy. She is studying Indonesian at the University of Tasmania, helps out on her family’s oyster farm and is an emerging visual artist creating her first graphic novel. We welcome Kirsty!
Kirsty commences her role as we announce the inaugural Devonport Young Writers in the City! This residency program, which follows on from our Hobart and Launceston programs, will see young writers each receive $300 as they explore the city of Devonport and its surrounds to produce experimental writing based on their experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to hear the residents read their work at the Tidal Festival during the summer. So a big congratulations to Jane Beeke, Kate Elphinstone, Skye Cusack, and Kyle Perry!
We will continue to keep you updated about our program for young writers, and in the meantime you might like to check out the following reading and writing events happening in the state this month. It’s also our final This Writing Month of the year, as we close over Christmas from December 21- January 9. Check back in for your next newsletter on February 1!
