In the 1980s Fremantle/Walyalup became famous as the ‘home of the America’s Cup’. In the 2020s our dream is that it will be recognised as Australia’s third UNESCO City of Literature.
The city’s claim to this title is a solid one with its concentration of literary talent and infrastructure including a vast cohort of resident writers and illustrators, leading independent bookshops and two stunning new libraries. Fremantle/Walyalup is also home to Notre Dame University; to WA’s leading independent publisher, Fremantle Press; and to signature literary initiatives such as the City of Fremantle T.A.G. Hungerford Award which has successfully launched the careers of dozens of West Australian authors.
To this environment we are introducing Australia’s boldest new live literature festival, Totally Lit, a pioneering festival set to shake up public expectations about what a writers’ festival can be.
With such a diverse and vibrant literary culture flourishing in Fremantle/Walyalup, our goal is to enhance the city’s literary profile by achieving official recognition as a UNESCO City of Literature.
In Australia, Melbourne and Hobart have achieved this elite status. Now it’s time for Fremantle/Walyalup to join the club!
