Forrest Research Foundation and Fremantle Press announce new travel fund for Western Australian writers
Prema Arasu, author of new poetry collection Vampire Squid, is the inaugural recipient of a new travel fund aimed at giving debut Western Australian writers the opportunity to promote their work outside the state.
The sponsorship, funded by the Forrest Research Foundation, supports the work of one new or emerging Western Australian writer each year, enabling writers to take up opportunities to tour and promote their work nationally.
Fremantle Press CEO Alex Allan said travel costs were still a barrier to success for Western Australian writers who lacked access to key opportunities to network with major industry players. She said, ‘Prema’s work is amazing and they are an erudite speaker with something vital to say. But, let’s face it, they’re less likely to be considered for panels by cash-strapped writing festivals, booksellers or local libraries when they know they’re going to have to cough up an airfare and accommodation. Too many programmers are missing the opportunity to host interesting new writers from Western Australia. This fund challenges them all to look west and explore what our emerging storytellers have to offer.’
The fund was announced by Professor James Arvanitakis, Director of Forrest Research Foundation, at the launch of Vampire Squid on Thursday 12 February 2026.
Professor Arvanitakis said, ‘The Forrest Research Foundation fosters cutting-edge, collaborative research by bringing brilliant minds from all disciplines to Western Australia. Prema’s poetry collection is emblematic of this approach – blending science and art to create a deeply personal work inspired by the Deep Sea, the creatures that dwell there, and the people who observe them. We’re excited to help Fremantle Press share this work with others.’
Fremantle Press is an independent book publisher, charged with giving voice to Western Australian writers and bringing stories about this place to the world. Proudly not for profit, Fremantle Press is looking to secure a place to call home by its 50th anniversary in April 2026. Be a part of the stories that move us by donating today.
The Forrest Research Foundation drives research and innovation capacity in Western Australia by awarding Forrest PhD Scholarships, Postdoctoral Fellowships, and Creative Fellowships to exceptional researchers from across the globe, enabling them to conduct research at one of Western Australia's five universities. It was established in 2014 following one of the largest ever philanthropic donations in Australian history by Andrew and Nicola Forrest through the Minderoo Foundation.
Vampire Squid is available now in all good bookstores and online.
