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The Fellowship recognises the achievements and artistic goals of contemporary Australian poets.

In partnership with Varuna - the National Writers House, the Red Room Poetry Fellowship supports six poets to deeply engage with and develop their practice.

This opportunity encourages poets to undertake an intensive period of creative development including a residency at Varuna or remotely, mentorship, as well as a poetic commission to be published as part of Poetry Month in August. All six poets will be in residence simultaneously, establishing a community of practice, and encouraging new poetic connections.

Five Fellows will be selected through a competitive process to undertake a residency at Varuna in the week of Monday 25 August - Monday 1 September 2025. Additionally, one extra place is provided for a sixth poet as part of our Anywhere Remote Fellowship. This residency is designed to broaden access for poets who face additional barriers that may make traveling to Varuna a challenge.

Applications for the 2025 Fellowships are now closed, and we received an unprecedented number of applications - thank you to everyone who applied! Applicants will be notified of the outcome by the end of March.

2025 Program Overview

Residency dates: Monday 25 August to Monday 1 September 2025 (non-transferable)
Applications open: 9am Tuesday 3 December 2024 (AEDT)
Applications close: 5pm Tuesday 4 February 2025 (AEDT)
Places: Five poets will be chosen to stay in person at Varuna, with one extra place for a sixth poet as part of the Anywhere Remote Fellowship.
Who should apply: Poets who have previously been programmed or commissioned by Red Room Poetry, and Emerging Poets who have had no more than one full-length collection of poetry published.
Fees: There are no application fees or residency fees for this program. All poets receive a $1000 stipend each.

Discover the Fellowship in past years

Partners and Supporters

The Red Room Poetry Fellowship is proudly supported by Bret Walker AO SC, Tim Game SC, and other generous individuals and partners.