City of Literature

Melbourne's literary heritage and culture have been internationally recognised, with the city's designation as the world's second UNESCO City of Literature, part of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network.

The State Government's City of Literature initiative was announced as part of the Arts for All Victorians policy launched in November 2006. Since then the Government has committed around $20 million to raise the profile and status of literature in Victoria through four major initiatives:

1. UNESCO City of Literature status for Melbourne
2. A new Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas at the State Library of Victoria, now the Wheeler Centre
3. Increased the national and international profile of Melbourne Writers' Festival
4. Expanded Premier's Literary Awards