Bundanon

Lives / works:Watsons Bay, Sydney, Gadigal and Birrbirragal land

Ailsa Piper has written for the stage (including an acclaimed adaptation of The Duchess of Malfi, co-wrien with Hugh Colman, for Bell Shakespeare) and also for radio drama. She is the author of two works of non-fiction – Sinning Across Spain and The Attachment: Leers From a Most Unlikely Friendship which was co-authored with Tony Doherty, and developed during a residency at Bundanon. She also leads workshops for writers, musicians and visual artists. She has been a performer and director, and continues to narrate audio books. She has served on major arts boards including The Arts Centre Melbourne and Playbox, and has judged the NSW and Victorian Premiers Literary Awards seven times.

In residence at Bundanon

For her residency, Piper intends to complete a further draft of her non-fiction book with the working title Always Now. It’s an exploration of grief, climate change, and resilience. She will also be collaborating with Charlotte Wood. They aim to develop and test-drive a residential masters retreat aimed at established artists – they claim there is so much creative support and stimulation for new and emerging artists, but very little for those who are “mature.” They want to address that lack.