Creating a Culture
Literary Events, Institutions and Communities in Central Queensland
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1017/S132181660000444XKeywords:
Queensland literary culture, Brisbane centenary celebrations, cultural achievementsAbstract
Professor J.J. Stable, a pioneer of Australian literature at the University of Queensland, recognised the sporadic development of the state's literary culture when he observed in 1924 that, while Queensland writing was ‘not what it was’: ‘There is however very evident in Queensland at the present time a revival of interest in all matters appertaining to art and literature.’ The moment for this optimistic reflection was, aptly, the Brisbane centenary celebrations. While predominantly a metropolitan event, it was not without ramifications for regional Queensland writers. Like the state and national commemorations of 1959 and 1988, it began to recognise local talent and Queensland cultural achievement in a cohesive and semi-official manner.
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