Arts Hub 13 March, 2025 by Thuy On
A new initiative recently launched by Australia Reads will enable more live literature events with Australian authors.
LitUp is the result of a partnership between the Copyright Agency and Creative Australia that will offer funding and support for 20 communities to host live literature events with writers and illustrators, across primary schools, public libraries, bookstores and community centres.
The LitUp pilot year will focus on New South Wales and Queensland, with schools and libraries in these states encouraged to apply. Expressions of interest are open until Friday 2 May 2025.
Participants will receive funding, administrative support, free resources and networking opportunities to enable them to host up to three live literature events for primary school students and the general public.
With a focus on regional and outer-metropolitan areas, the objective is to reach communities that don’t currently access live literature events.
As Anna Burkey, Head of Australia Reads, notes: “Meeting an author can be a transformative experience. The opportunity to connect with an Australian writer or an illustrator can open up whole new worlds of reading and learning. It’s especially important for our younger readers – meeting the creators of the stories they love can instil a life-long love of reading.”
“Reading connects us with ideas and stories, enhancing wellbeing and strengthening connections with local and global communities. This program will connect readers across Australia with Australian writers, fostering a love of reading that will set them up for future success,” adds Leisa Bacon, the Executive Director, Development and Partnerships of Creative Australia.
Josephine Johnston, CEO of the Copyright Agency, is similarly enthused about the three-way collaboration. “Copyright Agency is delighted to work with Australia Reads and Creative Australia to create a new live literature program that will inspire and benefit teachers, students, teacher librarians and the broader community to engage with Australian writing and to read more books. Our focus in the first year is on the critical primary school years, featuring books and stories from our exceptionally talented pool of Australian writers.”
