26 February 2025
An open letter to Creative Australia, from the literary and writing sector

To Creative Australia –

We write with deep concern about the rescindment of artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino from their selection to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale.

In its mission statement, Creative Australia pledges to ‘fund’ and ‘champion’ Australian artists and promote our work on a ‘national and international scale.’ The treatment of Sabsabi and Dagostino has recklessly flouted this commitment. In its opacity and severity, it has alarmed the entire arts sector, and by extension our wide-ranging audiences. It has compromised the integrity of Creative Australia, provoking resignations from some of their best workers. We stand with them.

It is clear that Sabsabi and Dagostino’s rescindment stemmed from misrepresentation of video works made 18 and 19 years ago, initiated by a right-wing media outlet. Creative Australia’s statement that the work planned for Venice may generate ‘prolonged and divisive debate’ projects on to the Sabsabi/Dagostino team the bias that the board of Creative Australia itself has displayed.

Sabsabi’s Muslim Lebanese heritage has made him vulnerable to the sort of racist attacks we have seen escalate globally during the past 18 months of genocide in Palestine, and the region more broadly. We stand against all forms of racism.

The implications of political censorship for artists working in all sectors including literature are enormous: not only can we be damned for work made decades ago; we can also be dismissed for work we have yet to create.

Sabsabi and Dagostino’s rescindment echoes increasing discrimination against Australian writers of Arabic, Muslim and West Asian heritage. It aligns with a long history of censure levelled against artists from other minority groups when creating work that interrogates power. We are frightened that more artists will lose opportunities based on prejudice, robbing the general public of powerful, affecting work.

We exist in an ecosystem: we writers interpret, critique and collaborate with our comrades across all artistic genres, as they do with ours. We bring to audiences a rich cross-disciplinary discourse that is unafraid of difference and risk, delights in ambiguity, and embraces new and strange worlds in all their diversity.

As authors, editors, publishers, critics and workers throughout the literary sector, we are alarmed by the escalation of institutional censorship and political interference in the arts. The board’s decision has damaged our international reputation as a country where artistic freedoms are valued. It strikes at the very foundation of our democracy. We stand with Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino in their requests that Creative Australia:

• Reinstate the artistic team to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale

• Apologise to the artistic team and the sector

• Trust in the expertise of the peers and their decisions while prohibiting Board intervention

• Arrange a meeting between the artistic team and board to discuss their action

654
signatures
618 verified
  1. Fiona Kelly McGregor, (Novelist, essayist, art writer), Gadigal
  2. Jon Tjhia, writer, editor and artist
  3. Jaimee Edwards, writer, Gadigal/Sydney
  4. Bernadette Brennan, Writer, critic, Sydney
  5. Angelita Biscotti, Poet, critic, artist, Melbourne
  6. david across, Professor, Deakin University, Burwood
  7. Geordie Williamson, Publisher, Critic, Nipaluna/Hobart
  8. Aviva Tuffield, Publisher, UQP, Naarm
  9. Omar Sakr, Author, Granville
  10. Yumna Kassab, Writer
  11. Clare Cooper, Academic, The University of Sydney, Marrickville
  12. Felicity Castagna, Writer, academic, Western Sydney University, Parramatta
  13. Jean Smith, Marketing & Publicity Manager, UQP, Magandjin
  14. Michelle de Kretser, writer, Sydney
  15. Charlotte Wood, Writer, Marrickville
  16. Anwen Crawford, writer, artist, Gadigal / Sydney
  17. Chris Andrews, translator, writer, Sydney
  18. George Haddad, Author, Western Sydney University, Sydney
  19. Randa Abdel-Fattah, Academic and Author, Kellyville
  20. Kylie Mirmohamadi, Writer, Melbourne
  21. Mykaela Saunders, Writer, researcher
  22. Kristina Olsson, Writer, Meanjin/Brisbane
  23. John Kinsella, poet/writer/pacifist
  24. Cher Tan, Writer, LIMINAL / Meanjin, Naarm
  25. Lisa Radford, Artist, Melbourne
  26. Chloe Mills, Publicist, UQP, Brisbane
  27. Dr Yves Rees, Writer and Historian, La Trobe University, Melbourne/Naarm
  28. Melissa Lucashenko, Author, Self, Magandjin Brisbane
  29. Sarah Valle, Publicist, UQP
  30. Natalia Figueroa Barroso, Writer, Dharug Ngurra
  31. George Kemp, Writer, Sydney
  32. Jonathan Butler, Writer, Melbourne/Naarm
  33. Sue Hall Pyke, Writer/academic, The University of Melbourne, Djargurd Wurrung Country
  34. Anne-Marie Te Whiu, writer, editor, cultural producer, Gadigal Sydney
  35. Alison Croggon, Writer, critic, Newport
  36. Tiffany Tsao, Writer and translator
  37. Andrew Sutherland, Author & Theatre Practitioner, Naarm
  38. Judith Beveridge, poet, mentor, editor, Carlingford
  39. Luke Currie-Richardson, Storyteller, Naarm
  40. Ian See, Editor, Naarm
  41. Michaela Keeble, Writer, Porirua, Aotearoa (born/raised in Naarm)
  42. Nadia Rhook, Poet, writer, historian, La Trobe University, Ballarat
  43. Kathryn Heyman, Writer, NA, Gadigal
  44. Alison Whittaker, Academic, writer, Ashfield
  45. Michael Mohammed Ahmad, Author, Sweatshop Literacy Movement, Sydney
  46. Dr Clem Bastow, writer and researcher, Naarm/Melbourne
  47. Tim Loveday, Writer and academic, Unimelb, Naarm
  48. Marziya Mohammedali, Writer and artist, Boorloo
  49. Nathan mudyi Sentance, writer, Gaimaragal Country
  50. Mirandi Riwoe, Writer, Brisbane
  51. Sam Elkin, Writer, Footscray
  52. Patti Miller, writer, Sydney
  53. Eileen Chong, Poet, Sydney
  54. Sara Haddad, writer/editor, Gadigal
  55. Jazz Money, Poet, Wangal Country
  56. Jasper Peach, Author, Djaara Country/Castlemaine
  57. Lou Garcia-Dolnik, Arts worker, editor, writer, Sydney
  58. Gayle On, Author, Freelance, Sydney
  59. Paddy O'Reilly, Writer, Melbourne
  60. Emily Maguire, writer, Gadigal
  61. Shivanjani Lal, Artist, Lidcombe
  62. Beth Yahp, Writer, Gadigal/Sydney
  63. Hellai Gul, Writer, Sydney
  64. HOSSEI, Artist, Ashfield
  65. Samah Sabawi, Writer, Melbourne
  66. Laura Jean McKay, Writer, Karilpa, Meeannjin
  67. Maya Hodge, Curator, Melbourne
  68. Amy Remeikis, Journalist and author, Canberra
  69. Shirley Le, Author
  70. jennifer mills, Author, critic, Tarntanya
  71. Fenella Souter, Writer/editor, Sydney
  72. Jan Pittard, Writer, Kooringal
  73. Kara Beavis, Academic, writer, educator, Turrbal/Jaggera country
  74. Winnie Dunn, Writer, Sweatshop Literacy Movement, Western Sydney
  75. Stephen Edgar, poet, Carlingford
  76. Xenica Ayling, Marketing Manager, Magabala Books, Rubibi/Broome
  77. Kim Bowers, Playwright/Poet/Music Director, Hot Brown Honey, Brisbane
  78. Amelia Luscombe, illustrator, Rubibi
  79. Skye Cusack, writer, Project Loudly, Rubibi/Broome
  80. Maeve Marsden, writer, theatremaker, creative director, Sydney
  81. Eleanor Limprecht, writer
  82. Dr Zana Fraillon, Author, Naarm
  83. Wednesday Sutherland, Independent curator, Newcastle
  84. Kate Larsen, Writer and governance consultant, Naarm/Melbourne
  85. Julianne Negri, Writer, Melbourne
  86. Mark Smith, Writer, Anglesea
  87. Brooke Collard, Project Officer, Magabala Books, Djugun
  88. Fran Cusworth, Writer, Naarm/Melbourne
  89. Sharlene Allsopp, Writer, Brisbane
  90. Hannah Donnelly, Writer, Dharug Country/Western Sydney
  91. Mattie Mcleod, Film maker, Melbourne
  92. Ena Grozdanic, Writer and artist, Kaurna Yerta
  93. John Richards, Writer, Brisbane
  94. Christine Afoa, Writer, student equity project officer, UTS, Gadigal Sydney
  95. Sara Saleh, Writer, Bidjigal Land
  96. Seth Malacari, Writer/Editor, Boorloo
  97. Dr Rashida Murphy, Writer, The Writers' Collective, Leeming
  98. Kirli Saunders, Writer, Dharawal
  99. Kylie Thompson, writer, unceded Kabi Kabi lands
  100. Lauren Mitchell, Editor, UQP, Magandjin
  101. Sandy O’Sullivan, academic/writer, Macquarie, Dharug Ngurra
  102. Grace Roodenrys, Writer and researcher, University of Oxford, Oxford/Sydney
  103. Amra Pajalic, Author, St Albans
  104. Grace Vanilau, Writer, Spoken Word, Arts and Cultural Development, Brown Roots Collective, Naarm
  105. Jinghua Qian, writer and critic, Footscray
  106. Luka Lesson, Poet, Bundjalung Country
  107. Daniella Trimboli, Author, Moana, Kaurna Country
  108. Jo Langdon, Writer, Geelong
  109. Liz Bradshaw, Artist, Sydney
  110. Angela Savage, Writer, Melbourne
  111. Dr Benjamin Law, Writer, Sydney
  112. Jarad Bruinstroop, Writer, Magandjin
  113. Carrie McCarthy, Writer & arts worker, Meanjin Brisbane
  114. David Glanz, Journalist, Solidarity, Hadfield
  115. Dylin Hardcastle, Author, Gadigal/Sydney
  116. Michael Verhoef, Artist, Nudgee
  117. Elliot Cameron, Performing Writer, Sydney
  118. Irihipeti Waretini, Artist, Sunshine
  119. Rachel North, Artist, educator, Ipswich
  120. Nova Weetman, writer, Melbourne
  121. Hasib Hourani, writer, editor, arts worker, Sydney
  122. Ennis Cehic, Writer, Sarajevo
  123. Haneen Mahmood Martin, Writer, Artist, Producer, Melbourne
  124. Nicole Smede, Poet, Wodi Wodi Country
  125. Arlie Alizzi, editor, Magabala Books, Broome
  126. Lucy Treloar, Writer, Melbourne
  127. Liz Sutherland, Writer and NFP Executive, Naarm
  128. Melanie Mununggurr, Poet, performer, Garramilla, NT
  129. Rachel Power, Editor, Australian Education Union, Brunswick East
  130. Sarah Ayoub, Writer, Academic, Gadigal
  131. Sarah Malik, Writer, Sydney
  132. Mel Campbell, Writer, editor, critic, Naarm/Melbourne
  133. Ella baxter, Writer, Melbourne
  134. Dr Jennifer Mae Hamilton, Academic and writer, University of New England, Anaiwan Country, Armidale
  135. Veronica Sullivan, Festival Director, Narrm
  136. Kate Jones, Artist, Melbourne
  137. Maxine Beneba Clarke, Writer, Melbourne
  138. Sophia Cai, Writer, Naarm
  139. Matilda Dixon-Smith, Author, Gadigal/Sydney
  140. Kirsty Wilson, Festival Manager, Ocean Grove
  141. Rachael Anrtony, Writer, Naarm/Melbourne
  142. David Stavanger, Poet, Artistic Director, Port Kembla
  143. Astrid Edwards, Victoria
  144. Panda Wong, Writer/Poet/Editor, Parkville
  145. Pascalle Burton, Poet, Brisbane
  146. Angela O’Keeffe, Author, Coogee
  147. Samantha Byres, Writer, Naarm
  148. Eunice Andrada, Poet, Sydney
  149. Jayne Tuttle, Writer, Point Lonsdale, Wadawurrung
  150. Sancintya Mohini Simpson, Artist, Meanjin/Brisbane
  151. Leni Shilton, Author/poet, Newstead
  152. Rob Waters, Poet, Two Waters, Darkinjung
  153. Nikki Lam, artist, curator, publisher, Melbourne
  154. Julia Flaster, Magazine publisher, Debris Magazine, Melbourne
  155. Michelle Cahill, Writer, Nipaluna, Hobart
  156. George Akl, Artist, Naarm
  157. Jordana Silverstein, historian, writer, University of Melbourne, Melbourne
  158. Mohammad Awad, Writer, Dharug
  159. Laura Elvery, Writer, Meanjin/Brisbane
  160. Scott Limbrick, writer, Melbourne
  161. Dan Hogan, Author and publisher, Subbed In, Gadigal Country
  162. Claire Thomas, Writer, Naarm/Melbourne
  163. Cass Moriarty, Author, Brisbane
  164. Anthea Yang, Writer/editor, Melbourne
  165. Daniel Ray, Writer, Naarm
  166. Victoria Pham, editor, Debris Magazine, Paris, Melbourne
  167. Kaya Ortiz, Writer, Perth
  168. Shastra Deo, Poet, Magandjin
  169. Jamila Main, Writer and theatremaker, Naarm
  170. Minass Richani, Author, Creative, Minney Richani, Quandamooka Country
  171. Clare Millar, Writer and editor, Melbourne
  172. Dr Emerald L King, Japanese literature academic, UTAS, Nipaluna
  173. Luke Horton, Writer, Melbourne
  174. Donna Mazza, Author and Academic, Bunbury
  175. Yen-Rong Wong, Writer, critic, Meanjin, Brisbane
  176. Needeya Islam, Agent, Bondi Beach
  177. Beth Spencer, Writer, Terrigal, NSW
  178. Ramon Briant, Sound Technician, Sydney
  179. Gemma Killen, Higgins
  180. Dimitra Harvey, Poet, Darkinjung Country
  181. Anita Heiss, Author, Magandjin
  182. Fiona Wood, Writer, Naarm Melbourne
  183. Bobuq Sayed, Novelist, New York City
  184. Damon Young, Author, Hobart
  185. Lisa Fuller, Writer and editor, Ngunnawal/Ngambri lands (Canberra)
  186. Susan Johnson, Writer, Brisbane
  187. Alex Creece, Writer/Editor/Artist, Djilang
  188. Kirsten Hoffman, Paralegal, illustrator, Homebush
  189. Diana Baker Smith, Artist and academic, University of NSW, Gadigal/Sydney
  190. Margot Lloyd, Editor, Pink Shorts Press, Kaurna Yerta
  191. Aimee Crane, Co-founder, Brick, Brisbane
  192. Alex Adsett, Literary Agent, AAL, Yugambeh land/ Gold Coast
  193. Ann James, Author&illustrator, Melbourne
  194. Dana Miltins, Writer and Lecturer, Collarts, Melbourne
  195. Adara Enthaler, Communications Manager, Word Travels, Corrimal
  196. Trish Bolton, Writer, Melbourne
  197. Amelia Smits, Sales Coordinator, Publisher, Sydney
  198. Leo Luna, writer, editor & performance artist, Dharawal Land
  199. Jaala Hallett, Residency Producer / Arts Administration / Poet / Writer, Dharug and Gundungurra Country
  200. Melina Marchetta, Writer, Concord
  201. Penny Tangey, Writer, Melbourne
  202. Wayne Macauley, Writer, Melbourne
  203. Christine Keighert, Author, Melbourne
  204. Dr Emma Felton, Author Academic, University of South Australia, Brisbane
  205. Erin Riley, Writer / social worker, Gadigal / Sydney
  206. Anne Marsh, Art Historian, Melbourne
  207. Anna Clark, Historian, Sydney
  208. Cheryl Akle, Director, Better Reading, Sydney
  209. Gail Jones, writer, Gadigal/Sydney
  210. Shelley James, writer, Walyalup/Fremantle
  211. Grace Yee, Writer, Poet, Melbourne
  212. Dana Albattrawi, North Kellyville
  213. Jacinta Dimase, Literary Agent, Jacinta Dimase Management, Melbourne
  214. Gabrielle Wang, Author illustrator, Self, Melbourne
  215. Rae White, author, poet, Magandjin
  216. Danielle Binks, Literary Agent and Author, Jacinta di Mase Management, Melbourne
  217. Atika Hussain, Lawyer, Melbourne
  218. Grace Lucas-Pennington, Editor, black&write!, Yagera
  219. Jude McGee, Book editor, Sydney
  220. Liz Durnan, Freelance writer
  221. Norman Nikro, Writer/scholar, Freelance, Sydney
  222. Michael Robotham, Author, Sydney
  223. Jess Ho, Writer, Melbourne
  224. Emily Hart, Publisher, Pink Shorts Press, Kaurna Yerta
  225. Clementine Ford, contentious writer, controversial feminist, Brunswick
  226. Sally Piper, Writer, UPPER BROOKFIELD
  227. Penni Russon, Author and lecturer, Monash University, Melbourne
  228. Simone Amelia Jordan, Writer and Journalist, Sydney
  229. Kaz Cooke, author/cartoonist, Australia
  230. James Bradley, Writer, Sydney
  231. Dinalie Dabarera, Author and illustrator, Gadi/Sydney
  232. Lucy Neave, Writer & academic, Canberra
  233. Fiona Wright, Writer, critic, Newtown
  234. Ali Lavau, Editor, Sydney
  235. Debra Adelaide, Author, Sydney
  236. Melanie Saward, Author, academic, Tulmur
  237. Timothy Jones, historian, La Trobe University, Fitzroy
  238. Ruby Hamad, Author and academic, Tempe
  239. Hilary McPhee AO, writer, Melbourne
  240. KAREN PICKERING, Writer, Melbourne
  241. Gorkem Acaroglu, Woodend
  242. anonymous
  243. Karen Ginnane, Writer, Brunswick
  244. Jacinta Halloran, Writer, Melbourne
  245. Isabella G Mead, Poet, Melbourne
  246. Melissa Manning, Writer/Solicitor, Naarm
  247. R.W>R. McDonald, Writer, Melbourne
  248. Claire Albrecht, Writer & Editor, Parkes
  249. Jonty Claypole, writer, broadcaster, arts administrator, Sydney
  250. Roberta Ivers, Book Publisher, Sydney
  251. Toni Jordan, writer, Naarm/Melbourne
  252. Amy Sambrooke, Blue Mountains
  253. Naama Carlin, Academic and writer, Sydney
  254. Jane Palfreyman, Publisher, Simon & Schuster, Sydney
  255. Andrew Brooks, academic, writer, editor, UNSW, Sydney
  256. Amal Awad, Writer, Sydney
  257. Matte Rochford, Artist, NTEU member, University of Sydney, Marrickville
  258. Mireille Juchau, Writer, Sydney
  259. Sime Knezevic, Poet, Playwright, Sydney
  260. Anna Dunnill, Writer & artist, Independent, Naarm/Melbourne
  261. Rita Seumanutafa-Palala, Ethnomusicologist, Pacific Island Creative Arts Australia Inc (PICAA), Deanside
  262. Jack Nicholls, Author, Melbourne
  263. David Carlin, writer, Brunswick
  264. Erica Izard, Artist/ healthcare, [email protected], Gadigal/ Sydney
  265. Sarah Rose Boyle, Teacher, Melbourne
  266. Janet Hutchinson, Writer, literary mentor, former editor & publishing consultant, Bidjigal
  267. Jessie Webb, academic/writer, Naarm Melbourne
  268. Raelee Lancaster, Writer/Librarian, Brisbane
  269. Dave Clark, Counsellor, writer, Mparntwe Alice Springs
  270. Joshua Maxwell, Playwright and Theatre Maker, Independent, Berkeley Vale
  271. Adalya Nash Hussein, Writer, Editor, Melbourne
  272. Rebecca Slater, Literary Agent, a4 Literary, Melbourne
  273. Shame Christmass, Writer, Kyneton
  274. Orlando silver, Writer, Incision Press, Warrimoo
  275. Katy Mutton, CEO, MARION Ink, Canberra
  276. Emma Viskic, Writer, Melbourne
  277. Dori, Visual Artist, NA, Sydney
  278. Kate Pickard, Publishing manager, Boorloo/Perrh
  279. Eugenia Flynn, Writer and academic, Melbourne
  280. David Adès, Writer, poet, Sydney
  281. Kate Pickard, Publisher, UWAP, Boorloo/Perth
  282. Josephine Gazard, Student, Sydney
  283. Catherine McKinnon, author, author, MOSS VALE
  284. Diane Kirkby, historian, La Trobe University, Melbourne
  285. Rachel Ang, Author, artist, architect, Melbourne
  286. Caitlin Maling, Writer/Academic, Curtin University, Perth/Boorloo
  287. Jana Bassan, Sydney
  288. Timmah Ball, Writer, Boorloo
  289. Kevin, Journalist, Sydney
  290. Ruth Armitage, Hobart
  291. Dr Emily Bitto, Writer, Melbourne
  292. Keely Jobe, Writer/editor, Hobart
  293. Gerii pleitez, Writer, Sydney
  294. Clare Strahan, Novelist, VE Teacher professional writing & editing, RMIT University, Warburton
  295. Leanne Hall, Writer, Naarm/Melbourne
  296. Jacqueline Wright, writer, researcher, Purai Global Indigenous History Centre, Awabakal
  297. Sharleigh Crittenden, Writer, Gadigal
  298. Kirstie Clements, Journalist/author, Freelance, Darlinghurst
  299. Anna Thwaites, Editor, HEAT, Sydney
  300. April Chaplin, Writer, Elwood
  301. Lucia Tường Vy Nguyễn, Writer, editor, Wangal country
  302. Ceinwen Langley, Writer, Perth
  303. Samantha Lee Curran, writer, artist, Wentworth Falls
  304. Megha Kapoor, Writer, Sydney
  305. Carrie Tiffany, Writer, Naarm/Fairfield
  306. Oscar Schwartz, Writer, The Paris End, Melbourne
  307. Jenna Guillaume, Writer, Shellharbour
  308. Michael Heyward, Publisher, Melbourne
  309. Adrian Mouhajer, Writer, Dharug
  310. Penny Hueston, Publisher, Melbourne
  311. Jock Serong, writer, Jock Serong, Port Fairy
  312. Kelly Gardiner, Writer, HEIDELBERG WEST
  313. Liz Conor, Historian & Author, La Trobe University, BRUNSWICK
  314. Grace heifetz, Literary Agent, a4 Literary, Sydney
  315. Sally Olds, Writer/editor, The Paris End, Naarm
  316. Barbara Paterson, Lawyer, Retired, Melbourne
  317. Isabella Gullifer-Laurie, Writer, Melbourne
  318. Sarah Vincent, Writer, Naarm
  319. Luke McCarthy, Writer, Melbourne
  320. Zenobia Frost, writer, Brisbane/Magandjin
  321. Dorian Zikic, Student/writer, Naarm/Melbourne
  322. Tallulah Simpson, singer/teacher, gadigal
  323. Melody Paloma, Writer, Naarm
  324. Katerina Gibson, Writer, Melbourne
  325. Craig Harrison, Executive Producer, Amplified House, Adelaide
  326. Emma Simington, poet, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
  327. Quinn Eades, Writer, poet, academic, The University of Melbourne, Wurundjeri Country
  328. Naomi Riddle, Writer/Editor, Running Dog, Gadigal/Sydney
  329. Keri Glastonbury, Writer, Muloobinba Newcastle
  330. Sheila Ngọc Phạm, Writer, Sydney
  331. Joanne Burns, Writer, Sydney
  332. Amelia C. Winter, writer, naarm
  333. Olivia J. Bennett, Writer/Critic, Meanjin/Brisbane
  334. Terri-ann White, Publisher, Upswell Publishing, Perth/Boorloo
  335. Olivia Costa, Writer, Stanmore
  336. Kate Lilley, Writer, academic, Sydney
  337. Robyn Davidson, Writer, Melbourne
  338. Amelia Wallin, Curatorial lead, La Trobe Art Institute, Chewton
  339. Solomon Kammer, Artist, Adelaide
  340. Kit Carpenter, Artist, Ku studio, Braddon
  341. Alice Desmond, Artsworker
  342. Jodi Gallagher, Writer/Playwright, St Kilda
  343. Antony Loewenstein, Journalist, Sydney
  344. Jessica White, Writer & academic, University of South Australia, Kaurna Yerta
  345. Kelly-Ann Standley, Events producer, Liverpool
  346. Naomi Stead, Academic, critic, RMIT, Melbourne
  347. Gabriel Faatau’uu-Satiu, Screenwriter, Playwright, Author and Creative Producer, Satiu Studios, Darug and Dharawal
  348. Neika Lehman, Writer, Naarm
  349. Helena Fox, Writer, Dharawal
  350. Tara Kenny, Freelance writer, Melbourne
  351. Jane Gleeson-White, writer, self-employed, Sydney
  352. Emma Davidson, Artist, Dharug and Gundungurra
  353. Jody Lee, Editor
  354. Nicole Cadelina, Writer, artist, Darug / Blacktown
  355. Ellen OBrien, Writer/editor, Bidjigal land
  356. Jennifer Byrne, journalist, independent, Sydney
  357. Clare Thackway, Artist, Paris
  358. David Gaunt, Bookseller, Gleebooks, Glebe NSW
  359. Alana Wesley, Artist/ FOH artsworker, Sydney
  360. Glenn Saunders, Playwright, dramaturg, writer, director, Naarm
  361. Ira Ferris, artists, Gadigal
  362. Issbella Trimboli, Writer, Melbourne
  363. Laura Woollett, Author, Melbourne
  364. Melanie Cheng, Writer, Naarm
  365. Poppy Gee, Writer, Brisbane
  366. Martin Shaw, Literary Agent, Shaw Literary, Leipzig
  367. Demet Divaroren, Writer, Naarm
  368. Zora Simic, Academic/writer, Gadigal
  369. Tegan Bennett Daylight, Writer, Sydney
  370. Lily Hatten, Photographic Artis, Mullumbimby
  371. Caitlin McGregor, Writer, illustrator, & PhD candidate, University of Melbourne, Maldon
  372. Xiaole Zhan, Writer/Composer, Melbourne
  373. Donna Hancox, Academic, QUT, Magandjin/Brisbane
  374. Louisa Lim, Writer and academic, Melbourne/Naarm
  375. Kate Mildenhall, Writer, Hurstbridge
  376. Najiye Polat, Teacher/researcher, Melbourne
  377. Helen Nieuwendijk, Picture Book Illustrator & Artist, Kaurna Land Adelaide
  378. Erin Gough, Writer, Marrickville
  379. Kate O’Donnell, Writer, Melbourne
  380. Favel Parrett, Writer, Pennyroyal
  381. Kerryn Goldsworthy, Writer and critic, Ngarrindjeri
  382. Larissa Dulat, Copywriter, Self-employed, Sydney
  383. Katie Shammas, Writer, Darug
  384. Patricia Watkins, Zillmere
  385. sarah jane joy, writer, Brisbane
  386. Cecile Yazbek, Writer, Sydney
  387. Shannon Woodcock, Historian/writer, Victoria University, Gunai Country
  388. Alison Evans, author, Naarm
  389. Amanda Lourie, Historian, Naarm / Melbourne
  390. David Owen Kelly, writer, Newcastle
  391. Kristyn Begnell, Sydney
  392. Suneeta Peres da Costa, Writer, Gadigal
  393. Jemima Shafei-Ongu, Writer, DHURUG
  394. Naomi Hamer, Artists & arts worker, Parramatta
  395. Mekdes Yimam, writer, editor, artist, WordOSaurus
  396. Romy Ash, Writer, Coburg North
  397. Mualla Aydogan, Writer, Sydney (Dharug Land)
  398. Victor Guan Yi Zhou
  399. Josephine Wilson, Writer, Perth
  400. Marlee Ward, Writer and editor, Melbourne
  401. Nabilah Khan, Writer, Woolooware
  402. meyrnah khodr, Writer, Condell Park
  403. Emma Kersey, Interdisciplinary artist, Gadigal
  404. Rory McGuire, Journalist, Freelance, Pyrmont
  405. Dr Holly Zwalf, Writer, Crohamhurst
  406. Cherine Fahd, artist, writer, academic, Sydney
  407. CJ Starc, Artist, Thornbury
  408. Elena Hogan, Writer, Naarm/Melbourne
  409. Sophie Quick, Writer, Melbourne
  410. Rebecca Harkins-Cross, Writer, Academic, Melbourne
  411. Quah Ee Ling, Academic, writer, Western Sydney University, Sydney
  412. Jennifer Down, Writer, Naarm
  413. Jason Gray, Writer, Wongal
  414. Frances Shaw, Research, Independent, Hobart
  415. Antoinette Luu, Writer/Tutor, Sydney
  416. Danielle Burns, Writer, Northcote
  417. Dr. Shoshana Rosenberg, Researcher, Coburg
  418. Gurmeet Kaur, Writer, Brunswick
  419. Michelle Kotevski, Producer, Bidgegal Sydney
  420. Lur Alghurabi, Writer, Kaurna Yerta
  421. Elise Hassett, Editor, Melbourne
  422. Ruby-Rose Pivet-Marsh, writer & arts worker, melbourne
  423. Tenille McDermott, Bookseller & writer, Gurambilbarra/Townsville
  424. Rachel Aitken, Associate Publisher, Simon & Schuster, Naarm/Melbourne
  425. Ella Skilbeck-Porter, Poet, Naarm
  426. Wayne Bradshaw, Librarian, James Cook University, Townsville
  427. Lauren Aimee Curtis, Writer
  428. Georgia Kartas, Writer, Naarm
  429. Jane Rawson, Writer and editor, Mountain River
  430. Claire Zorn, Author, Mount Ousley
  431. deniz agraz, writer, sydney
  432. Sian Prior, Writer, Naarm
  433. Naomi Parry Duncan, historian, writer, editor, Katoomba
  434. Shaun Prescott, Writer, Katoomba
  435. Sian Campbell, writer and academic, Naarm/Melbourne
  436. Michaela McGuire, Literary agent, former artistic director, a4 Literary, Melbourne
  437. Carol Major, Writer and writing mentor, Katoomba
  438. Katie Britchford, Artist, Self employed, Munich
  439. Hoa Pham, Author, Melbourne
  440. Alice Richardson, Rights Manager, Sydney
  441. Sandra May, Producer, Sydney
  442. Shankari Chandran, Writer, Sydney
  443. Samia Halabi, Film, Writer, Artist, producer, Director, Sydney, Kearns
  444. Dinuka McKenzie, Writer, Sydney
  445. Cindy Bennett, Writer, Allens Rivulet
  446. Janet Catesby, Retired, Toormina
  447. Samantha Barahona, Creative producer, Sydney
  448. Oishik Sircar, Academic, Melbourne Law School, Melbourne
  449. Claire Varley, Writer, Wadawurrung/ Geelong
  450. Crystal McKinnon, Academic, University of Melbourne, Preston
  451. Tamara Zimet, Festival programmer, Edinburgh
  452. Sean Buckingham, Illustrator, Melbourne
  453. Stephanie Powell, Writer, Naarm
  454. Siham Youssef, Pensioner, Nsw
  455. Mark Mupotsa-Russell, Writer, Warburton
  456. Garth Jones, Writer, Kaitake, Taranaki
  457. Jolyon Blazey, Software engineer, Melbourne
  458. Amy Kersey, Actor, Newtown
  459. Ricco Jones, Musician, Propriety, Sydney
  460. Ivan Amaro, Sydney
  461. Abbie Haouchar, Accounts and Ssles, South Melbourne
  462. Catherine McKernan Doris, Playwright, Townsville
  463. Kat capel, Writer, Read the Room, North Melbourne
  464. Antonia Hayes, Writer
  465. Rachel Spence, Poet, Ludlow
  466. Sophea Op, Actor, writer, Gadigal Country
  467. Marina Sano, critic, bookseller, Amplify Bookstore, Kensington
  468. Effie Karageorgos, Historian, The University of Newcastle
  469. Anne Kellas, Writer, mentor, nipaluna/Hobart
  470. Bori Cser, Writer, Blue Mountains
  471. Max Easton, Writer, Sydney
  472. Carol Patterson, Half Moon Theatre Group, South Arm
  473. Robyn Friend, Novelist, oral historian/editor and assessor, Launceston
  474. Madonna Duffy, Publisher, Magandjin
  475. Carol Freeman, writer/researcher, University of Tasmania, Hobart
  476. Monika Sarder, Data journalist, Melbourne
  477. Tim Slade, Poet, -, Pioneer
  478. Pelaya, Musician, educator, writer-editor, Melbourne
  479. Mat Larkin, Writer, Melbourne
  480. Justin Clemens, Academic, Melbourne/Naarm
  481. Helen Johnson, Artist/Art Therapist/Arts Writer, COLLINGWOOD
  482. Ofa Fanaika, Artist, Susustudios, Landsborough
  483. Lucy Grant, Editor, Melbourne
  484. Pam Schindler, Poet, Hobart
  485. Gabe (Darla) Tejada, emerging writer & editor, Naarm
  486. Judi Morison, Writer, Coffs Harbour
  487. Merridy Eastman, Writer, Sydney
  488. Shannon Grey, Editor, Thames & Hudson Australia, Melbourne
  489. Lizz Murphy, Poet, Binalong/Ngunnawal/Wiradjuri
  490. Radhiah Chowdhury, Editor, producer, writer, Sydney
  491. Pam Brown, poet, Sydney
  492. Luke Beesley, writer, Naarm/Melbourne
  493. Jen Webb, Poet, academic, art researcher, Canberra
  494. Ross Clark, poet/singer-songwriter, Brisbane
  495. Gabriella Florek, Writer, poet, artist, Sydney
  496. J.M. Coetzee, writer, Nobel laureate, Adelaide
  497. Dr Madeleine Gray, Writer, Sydney
  498. Toby Fitch, Poet, University of Sydney, Sydney
  499. Dr Sandra Thibodeaux, Writer/academic, Wagait Beach, Larrakia Country
  500. Eila Jameson-Avey, Writer, Stories About Diversity, Yarrawonga
  501. Mark Rubbo, Bookseller, Readings, Carlton
  502. W Chong, artist, Kew
  503. Patrick Allington, writer, Adelaide
  504. Sarah Day, West Hobart
  505. Sarah Nicholson, Writers Festival director, Wollongong
  506. Dzenana Vucic, writer, Melbourne
  507. George Katsaras, Graphic designer, Princes Hill
  508. Pip Smith, Writer, Sydney/Wangal
  509. Michael Winkler, Writer, Melbourne
  510. Maree Kimberley, writer, Brisbane
  511. Rebecca Starford, Writer, magazine publisher, Kill Your Darlings
  512. Gabrielle Griffin, Theatre, writer, poet, Mutton, Mullumbimby in Bundjalung
  513. FL Kong, Publisher, MUP, Melbourne
  514. Jessica Friedmann, Writer and editor, Melbourne
  515. Hossein Asgari, Writer, Adelaide
  516. ALAN WEARNE, POET, BEACONSFIELD WA
  517. Roanna Gonsalves, Writer and academic, UNSW, Sydney
  518. Jenny Forster, Retired pharmacist, Manly
  519. Autumn Royal, poet, editor, educator, Naarm
  520. Matt Davis, Bookseller, The Bookshop at Queenscliff, Queenscliff
  521. Meredith Rose, editor, Gadubanud Country
  522. Alice Grundy, editor, Canberra
  523. Gaele Sobott, Writer, Sydney
  524. Anna Carlsson, Editor, Thames & Hudson Australia, Footscray
  525. James Ley, Writer and Editor, Melbourne
  526. Judy Annear, writer, freelance, Campbells Creek
  527. David McCooey, Writer, Geelong
  528. kathryn courtney-prior, Office, Sydney/Wangal
  529. Nigel Featherstone, writer, Goulburn
  530. Dr Ann Louise Deslandes, writer, Mexico City
  531. Honni vanRijswijk, Writer, academic, lawyer, Cammerygal
  532. Geoffrey Datson, Artist, Sydney
  533. Angelo Loukakis, Writer, Sydney
  534. Kris Kneen, Writer, New Farm
  535. Jacqueline Buswell, poet, riverton press, Lewisham
  536. Sue Bond, writing, Meanjin/Brisbane
  537. Raina Peterson, Artist, Karma Dance Inc., Melbourne
  538. Anna Westbrook, Writer, Gadigal/Sydney
  539. Dion Kagan, Research Academic, Writer, Editor, UNSW, Naarm
  540. Sam Lim, Artist and writer, Waterloo
  541. Juan Garrido-Salgado, Poet- Gardener, Adelaide
  542. Nikki Anderson, Administrator, The Poet's Voice, Naarm/Melbourne
  543. Hazel Smith, writere, Western Sydney University, Sydney
  544. Sarah Giles, Writer, Tutor, Arts Admin, Naarm/Melbourne
  545. Sirani, Melbourne
  546. Sonja Dechian, Writer, Melbourne
  547. Raveena Grover, Writer, Sydney
  548. Chloe Tanner, Curator, Tasmanian museum and art gallery, Hobart
  549. Gabriella Munoz, Writer and editor, Melbourne
  550. Nick Tapper, Editor, Sydney
  551. Annie Ivanova, Australian author, curator, Independent, Taipei, Sydney
  552. Wu Chiehhsiang, Art teacher, Taiwan Association of Cultural Polcy Studies, 台中市
  553. Naomi Dunston, Padstow
  554. Kate Holden, Writer, Austinmer
  555. Guy Davidson, Academic, Wollongong
  556. Nathan Lovick, Artist, Lovick Art
  557. Declan Fry, Writer
  558. Robin Eames, poet, historian, University of Sydney, Gadigal
  559. Francesca Rendle-Short, Essayist, novelist, poet, Honorary Professor, RMIT University, Melbourne Naarm
  560. Ashley Hay, writer and editor, Magandjin/Brisbane
  561. Francesca Rendle-Short, Essayist, novelist, poet, Honorary Professor, RMIT, Melbourne
  562. Andrew Sims, Bookseller, Gleebooks, Sydney
  563. Emma Hislop, writer, New Plymouth
  564. Torrey Bruinstroop, photographer & writer, Magandjin/Brisbane
  565. Annette Trevitt, Writer/teacher, Melbourne
  566. Amanda O'Callaghan, Writer, Brisbane
  567. therese keogh, artists and writer, Muloobinba/Newcastle
  568. Cheryl Leavy, Writer and Consultant, Brisbane
  569. Camilla Nelson, Academic, A/Professor, University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney
  570. Mr David Gilbey, writer, teacher, Wagga Wagga
  571. Gretchen Shirm, Writer, Sydney/Gadigal
  572. Rebecca Wolfers, Writer, The Lone Wolfers, Newstead
  573. SJ Finn, Writer, MELBOURNE
  574. Damen O'Brien, Poet, Wynnum, Australia
  575. anonymous
  576. Peter Doyle, Author, Sydney
  577. Nik Pantazopoulos, Academic, Rmit, Coburg
  578. Tian Zhang, Writer, Sydney
  579. Suneel Jethani, Non fiction writer and academic, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney
  580. Emma Batchelor, Writer, performer, errs advocate, Kamberri
  581. Keely Macarow, Academic/ writer/ artist, RMIT University, Castlemaine
  582. Carly-Jay Metcalfe, Writer, Magandjin/Brisbane
  583. Ruth Skilbeck, Writer, Djilang
  584. Edward Wright, Artist, Sydney/Luzern
  585. Craig Billingham, Writer and Academic, Katoomba
  586. Kathy Gibbings, Teacher, TAFE, Bellingen
  587. Catherine Hill, Editor, Summer Hill
  588. Chips Mackinolty, Writer, visual artist, Self employed, Darwin
  589. Dennis AltmanAM, Writer, Clifton Hill
  590. Suzanne O’Toole, Teacher, Northcote
  591. Anthony Lynch, writer, publisher, Whitmore Press, Melbourne
  592. S Ferry-Gibson, Caulfield South
  593. Robyn Connor, Mental Health Hub Lead, Wantirna South
  594. Max Delany, Curator, Brunswick
  595. Tahmina Maskinyar, writer and producer, Naarm
  596. Nina Springle, Writer, Melbourne
  597. Tina Agic, Arts worker, Meanjin
  598. Vicki Watson, Teacher, Artarmon
  599. El Vettersand, Manager, IT Org, VIC
  600. Lily, Teacher, Melbourne
  601. Christine Scott, Surrey Downs
  602. Micaela Sahhar, writer, Naarm
  603. Rosemary Harris, Retired, Brisbane
  604. Pam Harris, Researcher/writer, retired, Brisbane
  605. Freida Malone, Retired Teacher, Port Franks, ON Canada
  606. Ron Benner, Visual Artist, Embassy Cultural House, London, Ontario, Canada
  607. Judith Ridge, Writer and educator, South Windsor
  608. Linda Jaivin, writer and translator
  609. Rosemarie Milsom, Director, Newcastle Writers Festival
  610. Rachel Matthews, Writer, Naarm
  611. Kate Prendergast, Gadigal/Sydney
  612. Josephine Wilson, Writer, academic, Murdoch University, Perth
  613. Jane Novak, Literary Agent, JNLA, Five Dock
  614. Sarah Miller AM, retired arts worker, writer and academic, Austinmer
  615. Gareth Wreford, Public Servant, Sydney
  616. Catriona Menzies-Pike, Editor and writer, freelance, Vancouver
  617. Lia Hills, Writer, Naarm
  618. Arpad Mihaly, creative arts teacher, Fine Arts, University of Melbourne, Melbourne