South Coast Writer's Centre turns to crowdfunding to stay afloat after NSW Government funding cuts

The SCWC and Writing NSW lost a combined total of $255,000 in vital grants this year, with their futures now uncertain.

"We have applied for annual funding from Create NSW which we'll find out about in December," SCWC director Sarah Nicholson said.

"In the interim, we've launched a crowd funding campaign."

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Their aim is to raise $20,000 through Chuffed.org so they may continue operating and offering writing programs and events, plus arts employment, networking and opportunities in the region - something they have been committed to for 23 years.

It comes as the state organisation announced they cannot continue beyond the first half of 2021 without extra support.

"We are deeply disappointed to see the literature sector receive only 5 per cent of the total long-term arts funding awarded to organisations," said Writing NSW chair Joel Naoum.

"Literature has always been the poor cousin when it comes to funding, but this appears to be a new low."

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Mr Naoum wrote to members assuring them their board had committed to continue for at least the first half of next year, thanks to "prudent management". They are also seeking alternative funding.

Writing NSW serves nearly 10,000 writers, providing the physical and digital spaces where writers from a diverse range of backgrounds can meet to develop their skills, find paths to publication or performance, and to build successful careers.

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