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Writers of poetry, fiction, non-fiction, memoir and plays are invited to apply for this unique opportunity to pursue their inspiration in the tranquil and historic Don Bank Museum while contributing to the cultural life of the local community.
This program aims to support writers at all stages of their career.
The successful candidate will benefit from a special one-hour consultation with a publisher from Penguin Random House, networking with the local writing community and Council's Arts and Events initiaitives, and more.
Application have closed for 2025.
You can see our current Writer in Residence here.
Contact Stanton Library
Address:Before you apply
Who can apply?
- This program is open to individuals or groups from Metropolitan Sydney
- Writers at any stage of their career i.e emerging, mid-career and established writers are encouraged to apply
- All types and genres of storytelling will be considered, including writers of fiction, non- fiction, poetry, children’s literature, memoir, script and screenwriting for stage and film
- North Sydney Council encourages applications from local writers who are members of culturally and linguistically diverse, LGBTQI+ communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
All applicants are encouraged to read the guidelines thoroughly before applying.
What is offered by the residency?
Council will support writers in their creative pursuits by providing a low-cost working space in the historic Don Bank Museum.
Nestled in a tranquil garden in the heart of North Sydney’s CBD, Don Bank Museum offers a peaceful retreat from the surrounding hustle. As part of the residency, the writer will have exclusive use of a dedicated studio within the heritage house. The studio offers a comfortable office setup with Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchen and bathroom as well as outdoor space and access to a veranda with leafy garden views.
The successful writer will benefit from:
- A one-hour consultation with a publisher from Penguin Random House
- Opportunities to contribute to North Sydney’s cultural life through writing workshops
- Networking with the local writing community and Council’s Arts and Events initiatives
- Access to Stanton Library’s collections and services.
What is required of the successful applicant?
The successful applicant will be required to contribute to Stanton Library’s schedule of public programs by delivering two workshops or activities that promote writing, conversation, and creative engagement.
Some suggestions include:
- A public presentation of their work at the end of their residency
- Writing or storytelling workshops and tutorials
- Author talks or readings at Stanton Library or a Council delivered cultural event
- Participation as a judge in Stanton Library’s writing competitions
The successful writer will be required to sign a lease agreement with Council for the duration of the residency and pay a $500 bond to be returned upon completion.
Application and selection process
Applicants are asked to submit:
- A summary (500 words or less) of your creative project and how a residency in the Don Bank Museum Writer’s Studio in North Sydney would benefit your writing practice
- A proposal (250 words or less) of two community engagement activities or workshop ideas that you would be interested in facilitating as part of Stanton Library’s schedule of public programs
- A selection of published or unpublished work; minimum 20 pages of fiction or non-fiction (including theatre or film scripts), or 6 poems
- A single page biography outlining their writing experience and CV, with two referees included.
Proof of identity will be required from the successful applicant only.
Selection process
Council is committed to ensuring that the assessment of all applications is coordinated in a fair and transparent manner. The selection process will therefore be as follows:
- An officer from the Arts, Library and Events team will assess and shortlist eligible applications
- Applications will be considered by a panel consisting of two members of the Arts, Library and Events team and one industry professional
- A report from the panel with recommendations will be made for final endorsement.
Applicants must meet the selection criteria below. Unpublished work may be submitted and can include works in progress.
Assessment criteria
Council is interested in applications that illustrate how a residency might directly benefit the author’s writing, as well as enriching the North Sydney community.
Each application will be assessed and scored by the assessment panel according to the below criteria:
| Assessment Criteria | Score | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Professional benefit: Demonstrated benefit and impact of the residency for the applicant’s professional development. |
Out of 10 | 20 |
| Artistic merit: Based on examples of previous work and proposed project |
Out of 10 | 20 |
| Capacity: Achievability of the residency, ability to demonstrate planning, development and delivery of the project as links to an existing project or publisher. |
Out of 10 | 20 |
| Community benefit: How the project will benefit the Community and suitability of programs proposed (audience, subject, method of delivery etc). |
Out of 10 | 20 |
| Alignment: Alignment of proposed programs and writing project with Library and Historical Services Strategy outcomes (see page 6 of the Program Guidelines, linked below). |
Out of 10 | 20 |
| Total | Out of 50 | 100 |
Current Writer in Residence
Congratulations to Steven Vidler!
We are delighted to announce our Don Bank Writer in Residence for 2026.
Steve is a screenwriter, director and script consultant. A graduate of Australia’s top film schools AFTRS and VCA, Steve also studied writing and directing at UCLA while on a fellowship as an intern for Atman Entertainment [Fight Club]. He also holds a research PhD in screenwriting at Macquarie University. His mini-series A Difficult Woman, co-written for the ABC with Nicholas Hammond, won the Silver World Medal for best mini-series at the New York Festivals. His debut feature film as director, Blackrock, premiered at Sundance, was nominated for 5 AFI Awards including Best Film and won Australian Writer’s Guild Awards for Best Screenplay Adaptation and Best Script in any category. He has lectured in screenwriting at AFTRS, Macquarie University and Tisch NYU Asia.
During his residency he will be working on his manuscript for his next theatre project PLAYING NINA.
We look forward to working with Steven Vidler on community programs, and wish him all the best for a productive and inspiring residency.
Testimonials
There is a special feeling that comes with settling down to work in the beautifully maintained and peaceful Don Bank Museum. Surrounded by many original artefacts of the former home, with the giant magnolia gracing the entrance, I felt as if I were stepping into an enchanted space free of common daily distractions – the perfect inner-city haven for any writer or artist! I’ll remain forever grateful to the wonderful team at North Sydney Council and Stanton Library for the rare opportunity to complete my third poetry manuscript in an unhurried and harmonious setting, and play an active role in the local literary community through mentoring of selected writers and giving poetry readings.
— Denise O’Hagan, 2024/2025 Writer in Residence
The Don Bank Museum is in such a peaceful spot in the otherwise bustling North Sydney. Having a dedicated space for my writing meant always finding inspiration, even when I wasn't sure there was any to be found. I was able to complete development on four of the six books in my epic sci-fi series from that lovely office. Engaging with the local writers community through workshops also became a new source of inspiration and encouragement.
— Margaret M. MacDonald, 2023/2024 Writer in Residence
The Don Banks Residency was a magical experience. I can still remember the thrill of being given the keys to that wonderful historic old house and I will have such happy memories of my days spent at the desk there, or on the porch, feeling both in the heart of things, and yet apart. It was a place of such sanctuary and wonderful tenebrous atmosphere.
— Michelle Hamadache (Mascara Review), 2020/2021 Writer in Residence
The Don Bank Museum is a surprising oasis. I loved its old-world character, tucked away in the hum of North Sydney. I started the residency not too long after returning to writing after a break of a few years. Beyond just the physical space of the museum (as important as such reflective spaces are for a writer), I found the residency to be a wonderful re-affirmation of my writerly self as well as a writer within a community. I feel grateful to have been able to be a part of that, as well as for the many poems that came during this time.
— Debbie Lim (Mascara Review), 2020/2021 Writer in Residence