About the Dan Davin Literary FoundationThe Dan Davin Literary Foundation follows the Davin tradition of supporting and promoting New Zealand writers and writing. In 1994 the Trust Bank Southland Community Trust Inc. (now the Community Trust of Southland) purchased the 1983 Anthony Stones Sculpture. The purchase was a catalyst for an exhibition of Stones's work at the Southland Museum and Art Gallery in the same year.
In 1995, the first Dan Davin short story competition was held, won by Gareth Lyness of James Hargest High School with 'The Team'. The Foundation continues to host annual workshops, for both students and adults in the Community Trust of Southland region, led by respected New Zealand authors. From the Community Trust's original initiative, the Dan Davin Literary Foundation continues to administer the student writing workshops and awards and to look at further ways to support and promote creative writing in Southland and the wider region. In 2006, an historic story writing competition for adults was held, and in May 2008, the inaugural Readers and Writers Alive! festival took place. Working with the Invercargill City Libraries & Archives, together they have developed the Readers and Writers Alive! programmes since the event's inception. |
Dan Davin
![]() Dan Davin enjoyed the ability to combine an interest in aspiring writers with his work as an academic publisher.
The hospitable and sociable Davin could combine both work and pleasure at his local pub frequented by both existing and emerging writers, and academics. |