Mona Brand.
The State Library of NSW has announced a new award to recognise outstanding female scriptwriters, the Mona Brand Award for Women Stage and Screen Writers.
As well as a major prize of $30,000, an additional $10,000 prize will be awarded to an emerging female writer for her first substantial produced or screened work.
It is open to all Australian women who have written and had produced works for stage, screen and radio (whether fiction or non-fiction).
The award was made possible by a bequest to the State Library of NSW Foundation by the late Mona Alexis Fox, nee Brand.
Brand was a trailblazing Australian poet, author and a prolific playwright. Her work, which often addressed socially relevant and controversial topics has been performed on stage, radio and television in Australia, England, Eastern Europe and India.
As the custodian of Brand’s literary papers, the State Library of NSW will present this award in honour of her legacy and the work of Australia’s female writers today.
“Scriptwriters make a vital contribution to the cultural fabric of Australia," said Kim Williams, senior judge and chairman of the State Library of NSW Foundation.
"Through these awards we celebrate Mona Brand’s legacy and those outstanding Australian women who have created stories which have led to brilliant, memorable and engaging performances for Australian and international audiences.”
The inaugural award will be presented at the State Library in November, and biennially thereafter.
More information is on the State Library’s website: www.sl.nsw.gov.au
Entries close 5pm August 12.