Established in 2005 the Gertrude Contemporary and Art and Australia Emerging Writers Program provides new opportunities for emerging visual arts writers to contribute to the critical discussion of Australian contemporary art.

Run in partnership with Australia’s pre-eminent art magazine Art and Australia, this program offers participants the opportunity to develop their writing practice, publish their work and gain further insight into the field of contemporary art writing. The objective of the Emerging Writers Program is to professionally support emerging arts writers who are committed to a career in the arena of contemporary art and criticism. This program contributes to the growth of a rich and insightful critical culture around contemporary art, providing participants with professional development opportunities and valuable technical expertise.    

The structure of the program is straightforward: four young visual arts writers are partnered with four mentors. During the program, each participant produces a catalogue essay for Gertrude’s Studio 12 exhibition program and an exhibition review for publication in Art and Australia magazine, with the possibility of additional online content. Previous publishing partners for the Emerging Writers Program, include: UNmagazine (2005), Artlink (2006-2007), Art and Australia (2008-present). The program is advertised in February of each year with interviews in March. For information on how to apply for the Emerging Writers Program click here.