black&write! Project

black&write! is a groundbreaking national project dedicated to nurturing and empowering First Nations writers and editors through Indigenous writing fellowships and editing internships. State Library fostered meaningful collaborations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors and editors from 2011–2025. 

black&write! has helped publish 24 First Nations authored books, and training 14 First Nations editors, transforming the Australian publishing landscape through Indigenous storytelling and editorial excellence. 

Indigenous authors whose careers we've supported include Meleika Gesa-Fatafehi, Lulu Houdini, Dakota Feirer, Jacob Gallagher, Susie Anderson, Tylissa Elisara, Carl Merrison, Lisa Fuller, Tania Crampton-Larking, Lystra Rose, Nardi Simpson, Claire G. Coleman, Alison Whittaker, Jannali Jones, Jane Harrison, Jared Thomas, Tristan Savage, Teagan Chilcott, Sue McPherson, Dave Hartley, Scott Prince, Ali Cobby Eckermann, Tori-Jay Mordey and Jillian Boyd.

In 2021, State Library produced and presented the exhibition Sovereign Stories: 10 years of black&write! This celebration highlighted the program’s impact on national identity and social change through storytelling. 

In March 2026, State Library is working with Creative Australia to transition the project to a new home in the publishing sector. Find out more information about the opportunity here.

Please refer to the statement on our media page for more information about the transition.