The Jerra Studio Fellowship

The Jerra Studio Fellowship is an annual flagship residency offered by Varuna, The National Writers’ House. It is specifically designed for a writer who identifies as having a disability or who is D/deaf. This fellowship offers what most creatives lack: uninterrupted time. Recipients receive a two-week residency in the Jerra Studio—Varuna’s dedicated wheelchair-accessible space—which includes full board, private workspace, and a community of fellow writers. The fellowship also includes a one-hour professional consultation with a Varuna mentor (like Carol Major or Tegan Bennett-Daylight), making it a powerful catalyst for a work-in-progress. Key Details: The Prize: Two-week residency at Varuna (Blue Mountains, NSW). Inclusions: Full board, private studio, 1 prepared evening meal daily, and a 1-hour mentor consultation. Travel: A $350 travel subsidy is provided for writers living more than 400km away. Accessibility: The Jerra Studio is fully wheelchair accessible with an ensuite. Varuna also provides additional funds for specific access needs (interpreters, support workers, etc.). Eligibility: Australian citizens or permanent residents (18+). Cost: Free to apply (The standard $70 Varuna fee is waived for this fellowship).