Writing fellowship doubles in value

STOP PRESS: October 26th 2006

ONE WEEK TO GO FOR APPLICATIONS FOR 20th ANNIVERSARY FELLOWSHIP

Writing fellowship doubles in value

Law firm Buddle Findlay is celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of New Zealand's most successful literary fellowships by doubling the annual financial grant it makes to the Buddle Findlay Sargeson Fellowship from $20,000 to $40,000 a year.

The award, offered each year in partnership with The Frank Sargeson Trust, also allows an outstanding published New Zealand writer to live and write rent-free in the Sargeson flat, located next to Auckland University.
Well-known writer Emily Perkins is the current holder of the fellowship. She took up her year-long tenure at the Sargeson apartment in February where she has been working on her new book, Novel About My Wife, for Bloomsbury Publishing.

The fellowship was established in 1987 to commemorate Frank Sargeson and provide assistance for New Zealand writers. Next year will also be the 10th anniversary of Buddle Findlay's sponsorship. Applications for the 20th anniversary fellowship close on November 3.

Buddle Findlay National Chairman, Sarah Roberts, says the award is about giving talented writers the freedom to focus on their creative activities.

"It is an opportunity for some of our most notable writers to develop their ideas, viewpoints and visions and in doing so contributing to the intellectual capital of our country."

Prime Minister Helen Clark said at a function held in June to mark this year's sponsorship, that the annual fellowship had contributed hugely to New Zealand literature.

"With the list of former Fellows, including Janet Frame, Alan Duff, Kevin Ireland, Michael King, Marilyn Duckworth, and so many others, we know that the Buddle Findlay Sargeson Fellowships are aimed at contributing to the support of our leading literary talent," she said.

Ends

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