Keneally wins OzCo Lifetime Achievement in Literature Award

10 March 2015 Books+Publishing

Thomas Keneally is the recipient of the 2015 Australia Council Award for Lifetime Achievement in Literature.

The award, formerly known as the Writers’ Emeritus Award, recognises ‘the achievements of eminent literary writers over the age of 60 who have made an outstanding and lifelong contribution to Australian literature’.

Keneally is the author of numerous books including Schindler’s Ark (Sceptre), which was adapted into the film Schindler’s List; The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith (HarperCollins); and the ‘Australians’ series (A&U). His awards include two Miles Franklin Awards (Bring Larks and Heroes, Text, 1967 and Three Cheers for the Paraclete, Vintage, 1968) and the Man Booker Prize (Schindler’s Ark, 1982).

Keneally will be presented with his award at a ceremony in Sydney on 19 March, along with the winners of Lifetime Achievement Awards in other arts disciplines, including music, theatre, dance, visual arts, emerging and experimental arts, and community arts and cultural development. The winners will also be celebrated in an exhibition at the Australia Council office in Sydney from 11 March until 8 May.

Australia Council CEO Tony Grybowski said the awards acknowledge ‘the significant achievements and contribution an artist has made to the vibrancy of Australian arts’. ‘The 10 recipients are widely respected by their peers nationally and internationally, and these awards give us the opportunity to reflect on their considerable body of work and the impact they have had on the arts in Australia and overseas,’ he said.

Previous winners of the Australia Council Lifetime Achievement in Literature Award include Frank Moorhouse in 2013, Herb Wharton in 2012, Robert Gray in 2011 and Peter Kocan in 2010.

Category: Local news