We Melbourne dwellers know our city is special – we have world-renowned bars, pubs and clubs and a cafe culture to boot. We're tops for shopping hot spots and touristy things to do. And above all else, Melbourne has long been home to a milieu of writers, artists and thinkers alike.
In February, our city's literary scene was recognised for its quality and diversity and Melbourne was named a
UNESCO City of Literature. The City of Literature program aims to "promote the social, economic and cultural development of cities in both the developed and the developing world."
At the heart of this initiative is the recently established
Wheeler Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas. Located in a newly renovated wing of the
State Library, the Centre is dedicated to the discussion and practice of writing and ideas and is home to some of Melbourne's
key literary organisations.
The Centre offers visitors a year-round programme of lectures, debates, poetry recitals, book readings and performances from local and international guests, and everyone is welcome.
It also hosts the annual
Premier's Literary Awards and Deakin Lectures, as well as various magazine and book launches.
Some scheduled events for 2010 include presentations by much-loved Melbourne Author
Peter Carey, TV personality and author
Gretel Killeen and from June 6-12,
The Deakin Lectures 2010: Brave New World, where thirty of the best minds will discuss and dissect the issue of Climate Change.
Events are free or at a low-cost and advertised on the
website.
