Artist FAQs

“How will writers gain access to the Writers’ Centre?”

The processes for accessing and receiving support from the Writers’ Centre are yet to be developed.

These will be shaped by the Artist Advisory Committee, which will determine how the space is used in a way that is fair, transparent, and responsive to the needs of playwrights.

“Will writers have to pay to use the Writers’ Centre?”

A fundamental principle of the Writers’ Centre is that it will be available to playwrights through a sustainable operating and funding model. 

Our aspiration, at this early stage, is that working space is available to playwrights at low cost or no cost.

“Will the Writers’ Centre host play readings or performances?”

As a two-storey three-bedroom terrace house, the limited floor space of the Writers’ Centre will be prioritised for space for writers to work, rather than for audiences. 

While small informal readings (for example: around a table) may be possible, the focus of the Writers’ Centre will be as a space for writing, script development, and the professional development of playwrights.  

“Will the Writers’ Centre offer support to international playwrights?”

Visiting international playwrights may interact with the Writers’ Centre in the spirit of fostering a global playwriting community. However, in line with Griffin’s mission to develop and produce Australian plays, the Writers’ Centre will only offer dedicated support to playwrights who are Australian citizens or permanent residents. 

“Will the Writers’ Centre only support playwrights that are writing for Griffin?”

No. Though Griffin-supported playwrights may have access to the Writers’ Centre’s resources, the focus will primarily be on the wider playwriting community. 

“When will the Writers’ Centre become operational?”

Griffin is still in the process of establishing the Writers’ Centre. The Centre is expected to become operational in 2027.

We’ll share further updates as the project progresses via our mailing list, which you can sign up for here.

“The purchase of 15 Craigend Street has been funded by a private donor. Does this mean the donor determines how the Writers’ Centre is run, or which writers it supports?”

No. Griffin will operate the Writers’ Centre and will be responsible for determining which writers are supported, in consultation with the Artist Advisory Committee. 

Philanthropist Ruth Ritchie has provided the gift with no conditions on programming, curation, or the artists who will work in the space.  

The only agreed stipulation is that the house should be used as a centre for playwriting, to the benefit of all Australian playwrights, in perpetuity.  

“Does the size of this donation affect Griffin’s independence?”

No. Griffin does not accept any donations that seek to influence programming, impose censorship, or limit its artistic autonomy.  

Furthermore, despite the size of this incredible gift, the legal structure being established for the Writers’ Centre means that—although Griffin will be responsible for its operations—Griffin does not own the property and does not financially benefit from it. 

A charitable trust is currently being set up—in the spirit of a creative land trust—which will own the property in perpetuity, meaning it cannot be sold, re-purposed, or used for private gain by Griffin or anyone else. This legal structure was a condition of the gift, as a means of creating a permanent community asset for the benefit of all Australian playwrights, in perpetuity. 

“Why is Griffin establishing an Artist Advisory Committee?”

In response to our consultation processes, and conversations with artists since the announcement of the Centre, Griffin will be establishing an Artist Advisory Committee. 

The Committee will play a key role in shaping: 

• • the principles that guide its operation, and how these are embedded in policy and process 
  • models for usage of the space, how playwrights are given access to it, and what kind of support is offered 
  • its approach to inclusion and welcome for playwrights from under-represented communities 
  • systems of transparency and accountability to the playwriting and wider arts community 

“Who will be on the Artist Advisory Committee?”

The Committee will be appointed by a selection panel made up of Griffin staff and external arts industry representatives 

Further details on the Committee, its Terms of Reference, the selection panel and process, and timelines will be shared shortly. To receive these updates, join the Writers’ Centre mailing list here. 

“What is Griffin’s position on political action in the workplace, and will the Writers’ Centre adopt this?”

Griffin’s  policy on political action for artists in the workplace has been in place since 2023. It proposes that within the workplace, political action requires prior notification, consultation, and consent on collective participation from the playwright and amongst the creative team. 

All policies relating to the autonomy of artists using the Writers’ Centre will be developed in consultation with the Artist Advisory Group but would likely mirror Griffin’s existing policies.

“How will the Writers’ Centre ensure access for playwrights from under-represented communities?”

The Writers’ Centre will be open to all Australian playwrights.

Griffin commits that no artist will be excluded on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, nationality, gender, sexuality, disability, political belief or expression, or social background. We recognise the importance of ensuring the Centre is accessible to a broad and diverse range of playwrights.

The specific approaches to access—including any prioritisation for specific communities—will be determined through inclusion policies developed by the Artist Advisory Committee.

“Is the Writers’ Centre physically accessible?”

The terrace house at 15 Craigend St is not currently accessible to wheelchair users.

We recognise that this is a significant limitation, and addressing accessibility as a point of equity will be a priority as the Centre develops.

This will be a key area of focus for the Artist Advisory Committee as it helps shape how the Writers’ Centre operates, as well as the future fundraising priorities for the centre.

“Will there be any restrictions on form, subject matter, or political expression of the works developed at the Writers’ Centre?”

The only restriction on form would be the requirement that writers are working on plays for live performance. Beyond this, there would be no restriction on subject matter, political expression, or any other aspect of a playwrights’ work. 

Furthermore, through our consultation process, playwrights have recommended the Writers’ Centre offers support based on an individual writer’s needs, rather than evaluation of a proposed work.  

This approach would be confirmed pending the advice of the Artist Advisory Committee. 

“Some playwrights and artists have publicly raised questions about the Writers’ Centre. Will this affect their relationship with Griffin?”

No. Raising questions or expressing views about the Writers’ Centre does not affect the artists’ relationship with Griffin, or their ability to engage with our programs, opportunities, or the Writers’ Centre itself. 

“How can artists stay informed or express interest in the Writers’ Centre?”

We’ll continue to share updates as the Writers’ Centre develops, including information about access, timelines, and opportunities to engage. To receive updates please join the mailing list for the Writers’ Centre here. 

As the Artist Advisory Committee is established, there will also be opportunities for input into how the space is shaped and used. Artists are welcome to get in touch with Griffin directly with questions or to express interest here.