Sub Terrains 2022
Sydney Review of Books and the Bankstown Arts Centre invite applications from Western Sydney and First Nations writers and journalists to document the 2022 Bankstown Biennale, which launches on 8 October 2022.
Apply here via Submittable. Applications close on 10 June 2022.
About the 2022 Bankstown Biennale
Sub Terrains explores stories embedded in the immediate landscape of Bankstown. A primary curatorial focus is artist-led interrogation of local narratives of land and colonisation, war and migration. The Bankstown Biennale will explore historical truths, buried stories, and the role of visual memory and deceptions within local sites of significance. The Arts Centre precinct is rich in these narratives and a major context of the Biennale will be the Salt Pan Creek Storyline.
We’re looking for writers and cultural journalists who can undertake reportage-driven projects that document the development of work for the Biennale, spotlight artists and draw out the themes of Sub Terrains 2022. You don’t need to come to us with a firm proposal in mind – we’ll connect you with the Biennale team and artists and develop a project once we’ve got an insight into your practice and interests.
You might interview artists about their work in progress, or explore the archival material that has prompted the development of new work. You might pick up some of the hidden histories of the Arts Centre precinct or author an observer’s diary of the Biennale.
We are open to experimental and unconventional approaches to cultural journalism and can provide editorial support for multimedia projects. Successful applicants will have early access to the Biennale program and the opportunity to meet artists and the curatorial team.
What we’re offering
We will be commissioning two writers to develop new work that emerges from the Biennale. Writers will receive a $1500 stipend, editorial support and mentorship and, if desired, access to workspace in Bankstown at the Incubate Artists Studios in August/September. Their work will be published in the Sydney Review of Books and they will have opportunities to talk about their work at public events associated with the 2022 Bankstown Biennale. Essays will be 3000 words or equivalent.
How to apply
Please apply via Submittable. Applicants will be required to write a cover letter of up to 800 words that explains why you’re eager to write about the 2022 Bankstown Biennale. We want to hear about your experience as a cultural journalist or essayist. Please include links to two examples of your published works.
Applications will be assessed by representatives from the Bankstown Arts Centre and Sydney Review of Books.
Timeline
Applications close on Friday 10 June. All applicants will be notified of the outcome by 17 June. Successful applicants will meet with the SRB and Bankstown Arts Centre teams to develop a project.
Send any queries to SRB editor Catriona Menzies-Pike on editor@sydneyreviewofbooks.com.
