The NZ Young Writers Festival is four days of free, fun, literary focused events held annually in Ōtepoti/Dunedin. We welcome young scribes of all stripes and celebrate all forms of wordsmithing including (but not limited to) zines, screen writing, journalism, bloggers, critical content creators, slam poetry, poetry, playwriting, song lyricists, short story authors, novelists etc.
The 2022 festival will be our eighth and we're calling for expressions from young writers with a great idea they'd like to share with the world. It might be a workshop, social event, discussion, reading - anything that captures the literary zeitgeist and that would appeal to other young appreciators of the written word. Our target audience is 15-35 (but we don't get too worried if people outside this range want to attend events). Some events within the programme will be podcast - we're open to new digital ways of working.
This year's dates are 29 September to 2 October
The NZYWF will provide a stipend to cover costs associated with preparing and presenting the event: $500 per event for Dunedin based personnel and $1500 per event for personnel based outside the city. We'll provide the venue, technical equipment, event personnel, and promote the festival but all travel, accommodation and presentation fees will need to be met by the stipend. Events with more than one presenter are welcomed but please be advised we may not be able to met any additional associated costs beyond the stipend and those listed.
The NZYWF is possible thanks to Creative New Zealand, the Otago Community Trust, the Dunedin City Council, and our other supporters.
Other NZYWF opportunities listed: Guest Curator; Young Writer in Residence.
How to apply
Email your expression of interest and/or and questions to Gareth McMillan director@dunedinfringe.nz including:
A short proposal detailing your concept for an event, and why you think it would appeal to the target demographic. It should include any material and technical requirements. Please attach a brief personal bio as well. Succinct supporting material may be included.