Online Events & Series
See below for currently available events, which can also be viewed on our YouTube channel.
#What are publishers looking for in YA?
So, you’re polishing off your YA draft manuscript. Are you wondering what next? What’s hot and what’s not? Come listen to our panel of commissioning editors from publishing houses with stellar YA lists — Hachette, PRH, and A&U. Listen as they discuss with literary agent, author and YA aficionado, Danielle Binks on what they look for in the next manuscript, and what the trends are in Australia and overseas. Part of our 2023 online program, this is a not-to-be-missed session for all those writing YA.
#Author-Illustrator online series 2022
As part of the 2022 Art of the Book program, the Author-Illustrator series is an online series that explores the work of illustrators and how they add to, interpret, and change the stories they illustrate. Featuring emerging and established artists interviewed by Sarah Davis, they dive into the creative processes that bring their work to life.
The series is supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
The series is free to watch and available on our YouTube channel. See below for a list of episodes.
#Political Football panels 2021
The 1970s: An era of protest, civil disobedience, cultural awakening and free love. The Vietnam Moratorium heralded an intense period calling for revolutionary change, women’s rights and a growing Black Rights movement.
In early 1971, the Australian government invited the Springboks, South Africa’s all white rugby union team, to tour Australia. This resulted in a massive national campaign to oppose apartheid supported by incisive union action, a vocal, organized student movement, and a new alliance with the Black Rights movement.
Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen responded by declaring a month-long State of Emergency in Queensland. In Brisbane, protesters gathered outside the Tower Mill hotel where the team was staying, to demand an end of apartheid and an end to the tour. Aboriginal activists played a leading role in challenging white radicals to recognize and fight apartheid in Australia.
Premier Joh bussed in an additional 600 country police. Police were granted immunity for any action taken. The final Rugby match, Australia vs Springboks on 31 July 1971, was moved to the Exhibition Grounds.
The vigil that night at the Tower Mill was not peaceful. The violent assault on protesters, bystanders and film crew was unwarranted, brutal and whitewashed from history.
Fifty years on we reflect on the Brisbane protests, hear stories from the people who were there, and discuss the legacy of how Australian society changed.
#International Authors online series 2020
BWF presents a series of incredible conversations with international authors as part of our 2020 online program. We hope they bring joy and comfort as we all navigate through this time of reshaping our world, now and post Covid-19. Humanity is in the thick of it right now and we all need stories, ideas and rituals for finding beauty, wonder and awe in daily life. Our inner landscapes have been challenged with isolation and uncertainty. Join us for these conversations, presented by Michaela Kalowski as we all delve into the vastness of humanity’s ever present need for connection and wonder.