The aim of Electioneering is to cover the 2010 Federal Election the way young voters need it to be – free from political jargon and with a focus on the way the big issues affect young people. Funded by The Myer Foundation, Express Media sought young writers who now contribute to the content of Electioneering. See what they have to say by clicking on the link below.

link:
www.electioneering2010.wordpress.com/

What is the age limit of applicants?
Applicants must be aged 30 years or under on May 14 2010. Organisations may apply if the project involves all young people or is aimed at young people (under 30).

What are the other eligibility requirements?
Please refer to the guidelines of Australia Council.


Is there a specific amount of experience needed to be a successful applicant?
No experience is necessary. We’re looking for good projects and applications that demonstrate that the outcomes can be achieved.

What happens if certain plans change after my application has been submitted?
Just call or email us and we’ll see what’s going on. This often happens and it’s better to let us know sooner than later.

What happens if I do not have an Australian Business Number (ABN)?
That’s okay. You will need to approach an organisation (like a Writers’ Centre) and ask them to auspice your grant. This means that, if you are successful, Express Media pays the money to them, and they then pass it on to you. It sounds a little complicated, but it’s all to do with the tax system. See Australia Council's information on administered grants for more details.

Is there a minimum/maximum requirement of group members that can take part in the project?
No.

How many applicants will be successful?
It depends entirely on the types of projects and their budgets. As the maximum you can apply for is $5000, at least ten will be successful, but we hope to fund more if they are good.

What does ‘in kind’ mean?
In kind means anything that does not actually cost money but still has a value – this includes time, borrowed equipment, space or publicity.

What is the time frame in which the project should be completed?
The project should be completed within a year.

What happens if the project cannot be completed within the specified time frame that is given?
Give us a call. Sometimes there may be good reasons that the project is delayed.


What is the maximum amount of grant that I can apply for?
$5000

What type of expenses can the grant be used towards?
Fees, allowances and production costs of the project (eg printing costs and venue hire).

Am I allowed to let my imagination run wild and base my project on anything of my interest?
Not exactly. Projects must use language in innovative ways and have a writing or text based focus.

Can I apply even if I am not an Australian citizen?
Individuals must be Australian citizens or have permanent resident status in Australia. Proof of citizenship or residency may be required. Applications may be accepted from non-Australian individuals or organisations for projects that meet the purpose of Write in Your Face and mainly involve artists or artsworkers who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Will there be anyone from Express Media administering my progress on the project within the time frame?
At the end of the project, you’ll have to do a report. Express Media staff might call from time to time, but this is just to see how it’s going.

What happens if, for unavoidable circumstances, I have to stop and am unable to complete the project?
If this happens, either someone else will have to take over, or the money will have to be returned to Express Media.

Is the grant money given out in one lump sum?
Yes.

If I am unsuccessful this year can I apply again next year?
Yes, but there would have been a good reason why you didn’t receive a grant, so it will be best to re-think the idea and discuss it with Express Media staff.

Are any reasons given as to why applications are not successful?
Applicants will be able to call Express Media to get feedback after the notifications have been sent out.

Is there also an interview process?
No. In extreme circumstances, we will call you to elaborate or explain something, but this is unlikely.

If successful, when will I be notified?
Mid-June 2010.

Who do I contact to discuss my application or proposal?
Contact either Elizabeth Calwell, Special Projects Intern of Express Media or
Bel Schenk, Artistic Director of Express Media on (03) 9094 7886 or at artisticdirector(at)expressmedia(dot)org(dot)au/ specialprojects(at)expressmedia(dot)org(dot)au

link:
Apply to Write in Your Face

In 2010 Express Media is giving young people, or people working with young people, the chance to apply to Write in Your Face, a program of support funded by the Literature Board of the Australia Council .

Express Media invites proposals from young writers who are using language in innovative ways. This may involve writing for zines, e-zines, comics, multimedia, multi-artforms or cross-media works, websites, live performance and spoken word. Collaborative and multimedia projects are encouraged.

'We're really excited to be able to offer this opportunity' says Express Media's Artistic Director Bel Schenk. 'It was great to see so many innovative projects get up last year. So many young writers were involved in new and exciting projects and we are proud to be in the position to help make these projects happen'.

You may apply for up to $5000 but must be aged 30 years or younger (or work with people 30 years or younger) at the time of application to apply.

Applications close 14th May 2010. Decisions will be advised June 2010.

Please use the application form below. For more information please contact either Elizabeth Calwell (specialprojects(at)expressmedia(dot)org(dot)au) or Bel Schenk (artisticdirector(at)expressmedia(dot)org(dot)au).

The Book Show, ABC Radio National, has a new blog and we want you to write for it.

It’s about reading, writing, books and publishing. It’s about the book launch you went to last night or the writers’ festival event you really enjoyed. It’s your top 10 book-to-movie adaptations or the books you’ve spotted people reading on trains.

The Book Show and Express Media are in partnership to find a team of young Australian writers to contribute. If you’ve got an internet connection you can be part of it.

The fine print

You must be able to blog at least once a week;

You must be passionate about books, writers’ festivals, writing, reading – anything literary and cultural really.

You are on the younger side of 30.

How to apply

Please send the following four things by January 25th to Artistic Director Bel Schenk at artisticdirector (at) expressmedia (dot) org 9dot) au

1. a sample of writing not longer than 300 words that you’d consider appropriate for a blog;

2. a paragraph outlining why you’d like to be involved in this project;

3. a few sentences that tell us what your main areas of interest are (i.e. romance writing, zine making, writers’ festivals etc).

4. three suggestions for upcoming posts.

What then?

Express Media and The Book Show will select the best writers to contribute to The Book Show Blog. It will be launched February 2010.

You will be given guidance in blogging and ABC editorial policies. The blog will be moderated by a producer on The Book Show.

Then you’ll have a national and international platform for your writing and ideas!

link:
blogs.radionational.net.au/bookshow/

Join Express Media and the Melbourne Writers' Festival to celebrate the release of Voiceworks # 79 'Classic' and to find out the winners of both the John Marsden Prize for Young Australian Writers and the Write Across Victoria competitions.

Special guest: Nam Le.

It's in the new performance space at the Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas, 176 Little Lonsdale Street from 5-7pm. It's kind of 'unplugged' and 'in progress', so bring a picnic rug and let's celebrate with afternoon tea and old fashioned fun times.

The John Marsden Prize for Young Australian Writers 2010 is now open for entries.

$5500 total prize money and publication in Voiceworks and on the Express Media website.

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The aim of Electioneering is to cover the 2010 Federal Election the way young voters need it to be – free from political jargon and with a focus on the way the big issues affect young people. Funded... >> read more

... but were too afraid to ask. A free workshop for 13-20 year olds with current Voiceworks editor Johannes Jakob at Signal.

Learn everything about writing, submitting and getting... >> read more

Writing for Young Adults

The Big Splash is a day-long mini festival consisting of a keynote speech, two workshops and a panel discussion. The Big Splash returns on Saturday September 18 with... >> read more

The full Signal program is below. Download for workshops and panel sessions for young writers and media makers (13-20).... >> read more