Pascall Prize at the Sydney Writers' Festival

$15,000 is up for grabs in Australia’s only national prize for critical writing and will form part of the program of events in the upcoming 2011 Sydney Writers’ Festival (SWF). In addition to the cash award, the annual winner of the Pascall Prize is named as the ‘Critic of the Year.'

Since 1988, twenty-two writers have received the Pascall Prize (complete list here).

The Pascall Prize was first invited to participate at the SWF in 2009, when it was standing room only in the Bangarra Theatre for the lively debate between Tony Bilson, Kathy Cleland, Peter Cousens, Elizabeth Farrelly, moderated by Chip Rolley, on the topic 'Should the Critic be Fired?' Theatre critic Alison Croggon was announced as the 2009 ‘Critic of the Year’ Pascall Prize winner.

In 2010, the Geraldine Pascall Foundation was thrilled to be invited back to be a part of the SWF in a larger venue — Wharf 2, the Sydney Theatre Company. The debate topic for this well-attended event was 'Don’t shoot me I’m only the critic!' The debating team comprised John McCallum, Guy Griffin, Julie Rigg, Gillian Serisier, moderated by Alan Saunders. Freelance critic Mark Mordue was declared the 2010 ‘Critic of the Year’ Pascall Prize winner. 

Longtime Pascall Prize supporters and followers have expressed enthusiastic approval for our new relationship with the SWF and regard it as a ‘perfect fit.'  We are delighted to confirm the ongoing association with Sydney’s premier literary event and all involved are looking forward to returning to the SWF in 2011 — watch this space for further details.

Entries for the 2011 Pascall Prize close 5pm Friday 4 March 2011.

For more information

12-Apr-2011