State of the (Writing) Nation: André Dao
Award-winning writer André Dao reflects on the state of Australian literature and publishing in Writers Victoria’s annual State of the (Writing) Nation address.
Featuring
About
The State of the (Writing) Nation is Writers Victoria’s annual address from a prominent Australian writer. It’s a chance to reflect on what’s happening and where we’re heading in Australian literature and publishing.
Join us either in person or via the livestream to hear the 2023 address from writer, editor and artist André Dao. Dao’s debut novel, Anam, won the 2021 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for an Unpublished Manuscript. In his address, Dao will consider the relationship between race, writing and the nation.
Dao is the co-founder of Behind the Wire, the award-winning oral history project documenting the stories of the adults and children who have been detained by the Australian government after seeking asylum in Australia. His work for Behind the Wire includes a Quill award-winning article for The Saturday Paper, and the Walkley Award-winning podcast, The Messenger. He co-edited Behind the Wire’s collection of literary oral histories They Cannot Take the Sky.
Hosted by Writers Victoria patron Andy Jackson, the evening will also feature an opening reading by writer and editor Hasib Hourani.
Presented in partnership with Writers Victoria. All proceeds from this event will support the Writers Victoria Fund, which supports writers who experience financial barriers to access professional development and networking opportunities.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Accessible toilets available
Assistive Listening
Registered Assistance Animals welcome
Please notify us of all access requirements when booking online so we can assist you with your visit. If you require further information, please contact reception on 03 9094 7800 or ticketing@wheelercentre.com.
About the book
The bookseller for this event is Amplify Bookstore.
Featuring
André Dao is a Melbourne-based writer, editor and artist. His debut novel, Anam, won the 2021 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for an Unpublished Manuscript. It was published in 2023 by Penguin Random House Australia and Picador UK. He is the co-founder of Behind the Wire, the award-winning ora... Read more
Hasib Hourani lives and works on unceded Wangal Country. His debut book of poetry, ‘rock flight’, was released in 2024.
Andy Jackson is a poet and creative writing teacher and mentor, was awarded the inaugural Writing the Future of Health Fellowship, and is a Writers Victoria Patron. He has featured at literary events and arts festivals in Ireland, India, the USA and across Australia, including Melbourne Writers Fest... Read more
Location
176 Little Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000
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