News and Events
The Writers' Union of Canada- Changes to National Public Reading Program
2020-07-30
The Writers' Union of Canada, with funding from the Canada Council, provides funding for author readings through the National Public Readings Program. As the writing and publishing industry continues to adapt to the ongoing global pandemic, the Union has made some changes to the readings program. For the Fall 2020 Session, funding is available for virtual and in-person events.
Applications are now open for events taking place from September 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021. The deadline to apply is August 30, 2020.
Here's a quick look at some of the changes:
- Hosts may apply for funding for virtual or in-person events (where in-person events are permitted, and provided they follow local public health guidelines).
- Hosts applying for in-person events must provide a virtual contingency plan in case of changes to local public health guidelines that affect group gatherings.
- To encourage continued author readings in 2020/21, there will be no administration fee for hosts applying to the Fall 2020 session (September 1, 2020 - March 31, 2020).
- For in-person events that require travel, hosts are responsible for booking the author's travel and accommodation. The Union will reimburse author travel expenses following the successful completion of the event.
Host organizations are still eligible for funding for two full readings or four partial, or any combination equivalent to two full readings, per fiscal year (April 1 to March 31), whether the events are virtual or in-person.
Eligibility guidelines vary for virtual and in-person events. Find full program details and application forms at writersunion.ca/national-public-readings-program.