International Literary Programmers Roundtable
The International Literary Programmers Roundtable combines the highlights of visiting Melbourne, with a range of professional opportunities for delegates and a chance to experience Melbourne Writers’ Festival.
The program includes networking and exchanging best practice ideas, meeting Australian publishers and local literary organisations, enjoying events and gatherings and, of course, getting to know Melbourne, a UNESCO City of Literature.
This delegation will comprise 6 people from literary organisations based within UNESCO Creative Cities and 6 delegates from Melbourne’s literary sector.
We particularly want to connect with organisations interested in showcasing Australian writers in their programs and creating cultural partnerships with Australia. We also want to provide opportunities for smaller literary organisations not already well-represented on the international travel circuit.
This is a genuinely active undertaking rather than a passive itinerary, and it rewards participants who bring real curiosity and energy to it. Alongside the on-the-ground program, participants will need to prepare and deliver several small presentations, and this iteration builds in an online component with three preparation meetings beforehand, so that time in Melbourne itself is used as efficiently as possible.
It’s worth being upfront that the schedule is a full one throughout, and participants should come ready to be engaged and contributing rather than simply observing. Look at a past program here.
Eligibility
This initiative is open to any UNESCO Creative City professional who works in the literary sector and delivers programs for an audience. They could be a festival director, librarian, bookshop programmer or any other professional that fits the above description.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not the call out for Victoria participants, which will happen later in the year.
Dates
The program starts with three online meetings between February and April for participants to introduce their work. Dates and times to be confirmed once the full cohort has been selected.
The in-person program will run from 3–8th May 2027, during Melbourne Writers Festival.
The program concludes with a meeting post the in-person program.
Travel and accommodation
The Melbourne City of Literature Office will provide all airport transfers, meeting expenses, lunches, two dinners and accommodation for 7 nights in Melbourne.
We also offer a subsidy of AUD$1500 for your flight for any delegates who need this. This subsidy will be payable at the start of the program.
Delegates will be responsible for all other costs, including visas and travel insurance. Please note that all delegates will need to book their flights by the end of January 2027.
Expressions of interest close on Monday 5th October 11.59pm (AEDT). All applicants will be advised of outcomes the week of 2nd of November 2026.
To express your interest, please fill in the following form.
If you have any questions, please email Melbourne City of Literature Office Director David Ryding.
Some feedback from past participants:
‘It was just really helpful to see how and what is being done in Melbourne. From hiring a social worker at the public library to how acknowledgments are woven throughout a program – soaking in Melbourne through watching it go about its business (vs performing it) was inspiring in helping me think of other ways of doing and being.’
Shin-Yu Pai, Civic Poet of Seattle, VILP 2023
‘Whatever expectations I had were far exceeded – I left the round table energized for what I do, and with many new friends! The openness of everyone taking part in the programme and their willingness to share the good and the bad of their experience as literary producers made me feel part of a very special group of people.’
Ann Landmann, Cymera: Scotland’s Festival of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Writing, VILP 2023
‘I thoroughly enjoyed, valued and was challenged by the conversations I had with my programming peers. The welcome, hospitality, facilities and programme offered to us by Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature Office and the Wheeler Centre made a very conducive environment for constructive and candid sharing and learning.’
Peggy Hughes, National Centre for Writing (formerly known as Writers’ Centre Norwich), VILP Participant, 2019
‘It was a unique experience to be able to connect with peers from around the world… I would now like to work closer with, not only with Australian literary organisations, but with all of the delegates’ markets as well.’
Ahlam Bolooki, Emirates Literature Foundation, VILP Participant, 2018
‘Impactful for me was the new connections with others international programmers. Realising that there are other people around the world doing what you do and learning about how they do it, it’s precious.’
Natalie Fontalvo, Festival International de la Poésie, VILP Participant, 2026
‘The program is one of its kind and coming from a region where there are few literary organisations and even fewer literary arts programmers, it was immensely beneficial from a professional development standpoint.’
Jobina Tan, Singapore Arts House, VILP Participant, 2018
‘The roundtable was very well–conceived… it was a pleasure to interact with my counterparts from across the world and gain from their experience. I particularly enjoyed the interactions with the various literary organisations at the Wheeler Centre… We would like to see more Australian writers in India and familiarise Indian readers with their work.’
Maina Bhagat, Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival, VILP Participant, 2018
See the full list of past participants here.
Fostering Freedom of Expression
UNESCO is mandated to protect and promote freedom of expression, both online and offline. Its Constitution calls on Member States to advance mutual knowledge and understanding between peoples through the “free flow of ideas by word and image.”
The Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature Office works closely with PEN Melbourne and supports the work of International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN)