Getting the word out

HOBART book stores have put their support behind the Tasmanian Writers Centre, which is on the brink of closure due to a funding shortfall.

The centre assists writers by providing workshops, manuscript assessments and literacy support, as well as hosting the Tasmanian Writers and Readers Festival every two years.

Booksellers from the State Cinema, Dymocks, Poet, Fullers, Cracked and Spineless, Deja vu Books and the Hobart Book Store yesterday discussed the importance of the centre to literature in the state.

Writers Centre Management Committee chair Professor Jeff Malpas said the State Government didn’t realise what was at stake if the centre ceased operation.

“There’s a huge resurgence in Tasmania, not just in the reading and the selling of books, but also in younger writers coming up,” he said.

“We can help them connect to publishers, showcase their work and give them a platform to publicly read their writing.”

At its peak, the centre had about 450 members.

Arts Minister Elise Archer said the Government had provided $40,000 in funding to the Tasmanian Writers Centre to support their ongoing operations.

“We have also offered to provide a financial consultant to work with the centre on a long-term plan to ensure their future financial sustainability,” she said.

“While the centre has refused this offer to date, I urge them to reconsider.

“In the meantime, the Government will continue to support Tasmanian writers through the Arts Tasmania Grants Program.”

The Hobart City Council will vote on whether to nominate Hobart as the UNESCO World Book Capital on Monday night.