A new chapter for Australian literature

In a first for Victoria, the Boisbouvier Founding Chair in Australian Literature has been established at the University of Melbourne to advance the teaching, understanding and public appreciation of Australian writing.

The Chair arises directly from a $5 million donation to Believe – the Campaign for the University of Melbourne received from John Wylie and Myriam Boisbouvier-Wylie, and strengthens the longstanding partnership between the University and the State Library of Victoria.

Mr Wylie, who is President of the Library Board of Victoria, says the donation will increase opportunities for both institutions to work together to develop wider interest in Australian literature.

“We want to have somebody in the Chair who can speak to the community generally,” he says.

“It is somebody who will inspire people’s interest in Australian literature – a person who will have quite a significant public role in addition to the usual academic role at the University.”

Located in the Faculty of Arts’ School of Culture and Communication, the Chair’s role will be to mentor and develop aspiring writers and encourage public programs that improve community appreciation of Australian literature.

It will develop specialised teaching for students whose focus is Australian writing, provide mentorship for writers and scholars in the field, and seek to enhance Melbourne’s place as a UNESCO City of Literature.

Professor Rachel Fensham, Head of the School of Culture and Communication, says the Chair will enable a greater appreciation of Australia’s diverse literary heritage, with a strong focus on modern and contemporary literature.

“Australia has a long and proud literary tradition, ranging from the colonial period, to the period of nation-building that occurred from 1900 until the 1970s, right up to the great range of voices and global experiences that exist today,” she says.

“The diversity of these modern voices should be celebrated, whether it is the experience of immigrant lives – such as in Nam Le’s The Boat – or the runaway success of popular writers like Monica McInerney or Liane Moriarty.”

Professor Fensham believes the Chair will resonate with the wider public.

“There will be a comprehensive list of public events and lectures associated with the Chair,” she says.

“It will not just be a purely academic appointment – rather it will be an opportunity to have a wider conversation on Australian literature with a very knowledgeable reading public.”

Professor Glyn Davis, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, views the establishment of the Chair as a great coup for the city of Melbourne.

“This is a wonderful first for Melbourne, the state and for advancing Australian literature which is an essential part of how we define ourselves and our place in the world,” he says.

“A fully-endowed Chair is a game-changer in any academic field, and this new position will not only transform teaching and research in Australian literature, but also the practice of writing and contribute to an even more robust literary industry.

“Additionally, this gift will strengthen the University and State Library’s 150-year relationship.”

State Librarian and CEO Sue Roberts is adamant the Boisbouvier Chair will bring Australian writers to a broader audience.

“We are delighted to see Victoria’s first Chair of Australian literature established,” she says.

“This role will not only work with the State Library to develop the great writers of the future, but will encourage all Victorians to read and support our homegrown talent.

“Such investment ensures an exciting future for Australian literature.”

www.campaign.unimelb.edu.au