Born and bred Launceston writer Robbie Arnott has been announced as the University of Tasmania's inaugural Hedberg writer-in-residence award winner.
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As the winner, Mr Arnott will receive $30,000 and host masterclasses, workshops and public talks for aspiring writers from the university, and Tasmania in general.
"As a Tasmanian author working through this period of declining arts funding, not to mention our nation's tendency to focus its literary attentions on the larger cities of the mainland, this is both timely and tremendously welcome," Mr Arnott said.
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Program coordinator and head of English at UTAS Dr Robert Clarke said Mr Arnott's application stood out from a deep pool of writing talent.
"The choice was very difficult, but ultimately we are delighted to offer this inaugural residency to an exceptionally talented young Tasmanian author," Dr Clarke said.
Executive Dean of the College of Arts, Law and Education at UTAS Professor Kate Darian-Smith said Mr Arnott's ability to exhibit Tasmania on a broad national and international scale was important for the university.
"There is no question as to the importance of the arts in Tasmania, and Robbie's work gives us an outstanding example of how, creatively, we can take Tasmania to the world," Professor Darian-Smith said.
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