LitUp: Expressions of Interest
Expressions of interest are now open for schools, libraries and bookstores to participate in the round 2 of the LitUp pilot program. We are calling for applications from schools, libraries and bookstores in New South Wales and Queensland, with a focus on regional and outer-metropolitan communities.
By filling out this form, you are registering your interest to be considered as one of our host communities for the second round of the program, with your events running across terms 1 & 2 (February–July), 2027.
Australia Reads will work with key event organisers from each host community to select a suitable author or illustrator. During their visit, the author/illustrator will participate in 2-3 events at schools, libraries, community centres and/or bookshops across the local area depending on the requirements of your community.
LitUp is generously supported by Creative Australia, Copyright Agency Cultural Fund and CreateNSW.
Looking for inspiration for which Australian author you’d like to host? Browse the Author & Illustrator Directory.
Got questions? Explore the Frequently Asked Questions, visit the LitUp page, or get in touch via li***@****************rg.au.
You can also get a sense of the program by having a look at our overview of resources, tasks and timeline.
Submit your EOI by 5pm AEST 29 April 2026
Australia Reads will:
- Pay a visiting author or illustrator for 3 events across your community, at local schools, libraries, community centres and/or bookshops
- Pay for travel and accommodation for your author or illustrator
- Provide a book pack for the host school/library
- Give you access to an exclusive participant hub with resources, marketing templates and a discussion board to connect with your peers
- Run PD webinars with Australia Reads staff and your fellow participants
- Offer direct support from Australia Reads staff
- Support you to select and invite an author or illustrator best suited to your community’s needs
You will need to:
- Be based in Queensland or New South Wales
- Ensure that your author or illustrator is taken care of during their stay
- Use the templates provided by Australia Reads to meet key program deadlines
- Provide a suitable venue for your events
- Liaise with the other event hosts in your area
- Work with Australia Reads to create and promote your event
- Hold your event/s in terms 1 or term 2, 2027 (February–June 2027)
Assessment criteria:
- Your local area: LitUp is committed to reaching schools and communities disadvantaged by geographic isolation. We would like to know how LitUp would allow you to overcome any geographic barriers to running live literature events.
- Impact for community: We’re looking for compelling cases about why a live literature event would be beneficial to your community.
- Community diversity: We want your events to reach as many people as possible, including those in marginalised groups. Applications are encouraged from applicants who can tell us about the broad diversity of their cohort and whose application reflects their interests.
- ICSEA school ranking: We aim to support communities who have experienced barriers to accessing live literature events. As such, those schools with a lower ICSEA school ranking will be prioritised.
- Evidence of community support: Applicants are encouraged to identify which bookshops/libraries/schools in the community can help you bring this live literature event to fruition!
- Evidence of First Nations consideration: Applications are encouraged from those who have considered First Nations community consultation, or have established relationships.
Apply for LitUp
Frequently Asked Questions
Our judges were particularly impressed with the following aspects of applications in round 1:
- Evidence of collaboration (either with other schools, or with local libraries or bookshops – this demonstrates community engagement and also gives you a strong peer support network).
- A clearly defined need – how will your community benefit from live literature? And how will your organisation benefit from the support of a collaborative program like LitUp?
- A strong sense of who the audience is – what makes your cohort unique? What kind of author will they respond to? What do they need to be interested in reading?
- A willingness to collaborate – if you don’t have existing networks, are you willing to work with other nearby communities that we connect you with to plan and deliver your events
- Engagement with First Nations communities – have you considered how you might build relationships with First Nations communities and engage them in your events?
Anyone who wants to run live literature events for primary school aged children in communities from regional and rural NSW and QLD can apply for LitUp round 2. This includes libraries, bookshops, schools and community groups.
High schools are eligible to apply on behalf of or in collaboration with local primary schools. Some of our round 1 high schools have done extraordinary work bringing an author in for their feeder primary schools. Younger secondary students from your school will also be welcome (and encouraged!) to take part in your events.
Yes! We’ve worked with some wonderful bookshops in round 1. The strongest bookshop applications show evidence of existing partnerships with local primary schools and a clear plan of how you’ll work with them on your events.
Of course! We would love to see repeat applications from those who applied in round one. Please take the time to look over the FAQ and think about how you can strengthen your application coming into round 2.
Yes, welcome back! We encourage repeat applications from organisations involved in round one of the project. We’ll be looking for evidence that you have approached this as a new application and articulated why taking part in the project for a second year will help to extend and bolster live literature in your community.
Good luck! Email us with any questions – li***@****************rg.au