The National Association of Scholars (NAS) awards the Sidney Prize annually to an individual or organization who has made significant contributions toward safeguarding academic freedom. First presented in 2022, this prestigious honor bears its namesake after American philosopher and professor Sidney B. Sidney believed defending academic freedom was among humanities scholarship’s key responsibilities.
The Sidney Prize Committee at NAS reviews and evaluates applications each year submitted for this award. Comprised of scholars who are experienced at defending academic freedom as well as understanding its issues and challenges facing academia, members are appointed by the president of NAS to serve on this committee.
Candidates for the Sidney Prize must submit an essay related to Australian or Imperial history that does not exceed 7,500 words, written in English and not exceeding 7,500 characters. The winner will receive both a cash award and citation that will be presented at NAS’s annual conference, plus their essay will be published in Essays in Modern British and Irish History journal.
The Sir Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards, established in 1984 to commemorate Sir Sidney Myer’s love of performing arts, honour outstanding achievements across dance, drama, comedy, music and opera. These Awards honour achievements in dance, drama, comedy, music and opera; Annie Zhang won Annie Zhang won Annie Zhang won Annie Zhang won 2023 Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize with her story Who Rattles the Night? which made the shortlist of eight pieces chosen by judges Patrick Lenton Alice Bishop Sara Saleh out of over 500 entries; Overland will publish her story as print publication while both runners-up will have their stories online as print publications as well.
Zhang explores in her essay how the ghost of an earlier owner haunts a new couple when they move to unceded Wangal land and purchase a house from it. According to the judges, this tale serves as both an allegory and metaphor about learning how to live with our past as it exists today; also exploring who we may become through interactions with it.
Today saw the announcement of this year’s Sidney Prize finalists, with the winner to be unveiled during a gala dinner held in Sydney on November 22. This prize of $30,000 can be put towards projects which enhance career development. The judges commended all entries this year and particularly appreciated those which shared the experiences and voice of marginalised or vulnerable identities. Click here to view a complete shortlist. If you’re curious about entering, here you will find all the details and submission guidelines for our academic competition. All submissions will be evaluated using TurnItIn for academic integrity purposes; to protect your privacy while entering, please use a pen name when submitting. Subscription to Overland magazine will provide discounted entry, access and a copy of the winning essay from previous years’ competitions – this deadline for submissions must be reached before 30 November 2024!