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Telescope is an annual award for writers with disability, proudly supported by the City of Melbourne.

This year’s theme: ‘Write to be heard’ and there are categories for several genres including fiction, biography, poetry and illustrated text. People with disability over 12 years of age can enter Telescope, either in the Young Writers Category (12-17 years of age) or the Adult Category (over 18 years of age).

Entries close 22 April 2024. Award winners will be announced on 22 May 2024.

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Who can enter?

Anyone who has a disability can enter. We have sections for:

  • Young writers (12 – 17 years of age)
  • Adults (over 18 years of age)

What you can enter

There are 5 writing categories in Telescope:

  1. Non-fiction: Including autobiography, essay, historical writing, etc.
  2. Fiction: You can enter a short story or part of a novel into the fiction category.
  3. Poetry or song lyrics: This one is for the poets and lyricists out there!
  4. Illustrated text: Including Graphic Novel/Comic/Zines. This is for any entry that is a combination of words and pictures.
  5. Young writer’s award (up to 17 years of any category)

Competition Rules

Rule 1: It must be written by you! It is OK if you have had support in getting your idea down.

Rule 2: No longer than 1000 words. It is OK to enter part of a longer piece, just tell us in the comments section of the entry form.

What happens after you enter?

We send your writing to the Telescope judges, who are experienced writers.

Awards and Readings

We will award a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place per category, and if judges request, Honourable Mentions.

Winners will be announced at a Readings and Awards event on 22 May 2024.

All entrants will be invited to attend.

Please send your writing, entry form or questions to [email protected].

Art Exhibitions

Join our free writing workshops!

Calling aspiring writers! If you love writing, these workshops are for you. Scope has partnered with Writers Victoria to host free workshops ‘write to be heard’ for writers with disability.

Friday, 3 May at 10:00 AM Calton

Telescope

Art Exhibitions

Come along to our Art Workshops

Scope has teamed up with Arts Project Australia to host the following free art workshops for people with disability.

Thursday, 2 May at 10:00 AM Northcote

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