The University of New South Wales is the first university to be named a partner of the Sydney Writers' Festival.

Artistic director of the 2010 Festival, Chip Rolley, has welcomed the new partnership, the result of a successful bid by UNSW's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

"We are looking forward to working with one of Australia's leading universities. UNSW is an institution which closely shares our commitment to encouraging people to explore a creative world," said Mr Rolley.

The Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Professor James Donald, said the partnership is an extension of the Faculty's activities in writing and will provide exciting opportunities for students to engage with both the contemporary world and literary traditions.

"Becoming the university partner of the Sydney Writers' Festival will create a conversation between leading writers and our students and faculty - many of whom are distinguished authors themselves," said Professor Donald.

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences will provide speakers for two Festival panels and will nominate Faculty staff to act as panel chairs.

Media contact: Fran Strachan | fran.strachan@unsw.edu.au | 9385 8732 | 04294 16070