2015 Grimshaw Sargeson Fellowship announced
AUCKLAND, 18 February, 2015: The Frank Sargeson Trust announces Duncan Sarkies and Bob Glancy as the recipients of the 2015 Grimshaw Sargeson Fellowship.
The writers will share a $20,000 stipend and a four month residency each at the Frank Sargeson Centre in Auckland. This will give them the ability to focus on their writing full‐time without financial distractions at a critical time in their careers.
The fellowship runs from 1 April, 2015.
Paul Grimshaw, Partner at Grimshaw and Co, said “It's a real privilege to give writers the resources to help them focus on their work. We’re excited to see Duncan and Bob’s next big contribution to our rich literary culture.”
Elizabeth Aitken Rose, Chair of the Frank Sargeson Trust, says “The Sargeson Trust congratulates Duncan and Bob, who were selected from a strong pool of talented candidates.”
Bob Glancy was born in Zambia and grew up in Malawi. Educated in the UK, he moved to New Zealand in 2003 and published his first book, Terms and Conditions, last year. Terms and Conditions has been very well received with positive reviews from publications like The New York Times and Publishers Weekly.
Glancy says “It’s such an honour to be granted the Grimshaw Sargeson Fellowship, which has been previously held by so many talented New Zealand writers. It’s also a great relief to have the time, resources and space to work on my next book.”
Duncan Sarkies is a playwright, TV and film screenwriter, novelist and short story writer. He is best known for writing the 1999 iconic Kiwi film Scarfies, which, while low‐budget, went on to become the country’s sixth highest‐grossing film.
He published his first novel, Two Little Boys in 2008, which he adapted into a film in 2012. His most recent novel is Demolition of the Century, launched in 2013.
He also wrote New Fans, the tenth episode of the comedy series Flight of the Conchords.
Sarkies says “Not many writers get the opportunity to focus exclusively on their writing for such a long time. Taking up the fellowship at the Sargeson Centre provides not only a place to work but also financial support, both greatly appreciated by any writer.”
The Sargeson Fellowship was founded in 1987 and has been instrumental in many other top Kiwi writers’ careers. Janet Frame was the first Sargeson fellow, and other fellows include Kevin Ireland, Gregory O'Brien, Alan Duff, Elspeth Sandys, Michael King, Marilyn Duckworth, Kapka Kassabova, Shonagh Koea, Catherine Chidgey, Charlotte Grimshaw, Toa Fraser, Fiona Samuels, Emily Perkins, Paula Morris, Steve Braunias, Sonja Yelich and Mark Broatch.
About the Frank Sargeson Trust
The Frank Sargeson Trust was formed in 1983 by Dame Christine Cole Catley, Frank Sargeson's heir and executor. The Trust aims to continue Sargeson's lifelong generosity to writers through providing residential fellowships while preserving his house in Takapuna, Auckland, as New Zealand's first literary museum. The first fellowship was awarded to Janet Frame in 1987.
About Grimshaw & Co Grimshaw & Co is a litigation and dispute resolution practice, best known for representing clients affected by leaky homes and leaking buildings. It also acts for the victims of the Christchurch earthquakes in claims against insurance companies. Established in 2005, Grimshaw & Co have offices in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
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