New anthology showcasing Hobart’s connection to the Southern Ocean

Published on 31 October 2024

On the back of securing its status as an Antarctic Gateway City, today the City of Hobart will launch Voices of the Southern Ocean: A Nipaluna/Hobart Anthology.

The anthology is an important collection that highlights our deep connection to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

This project, now available online, features contributions from over 50 local authors and illustrators, capturing their reflections on the Southern Ocean’s inhabitants, future, and significance.

The project was led by a small team of partners, including the University of Tasmania, the City of Hobart, and Hobartisan Books.

Their efforts bring together a rich variety of perspectives, further demonstrating the vibrancy of Hobart’s creative sector.

The limited-release anthology will reach key international decision-makers on Antarctic and Southern Ocean matters, with copies also shared across Hobart’s fellow UNESCO’s Cities of Literature.

An e-book version is now available for the public at the City of Hobart’s website.

Quotes to be attributed to Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds:  

“Hobart’s connection to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean is part of our city’s identity.

“We’re used to hearing about the world class scientific work that we do here in Hobart, but this anthology presents a more creative connection to these places.

“Hobart’s standing as a city of storytellers was internationally recognised through its designation as a UNESCO City of Literature a year ago.

“It’s great to see a project that brings together Hobart’s two great strengths, science and literature.”

Quotes to be attributed to University of Tasmania Professor of Antarctic Studies Elle Leane:

“The Southern Ocean connects many parts of the globe in surprising ways.

“Its waters encircle our planet, meeting the southern reaches of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans.

“Its future is tightly bound to our own.

“The contributors to this anthology display a diverse range of styles, genres and viewpoints.

“What connects them is the Southern Ocean, and their concern for its future.

“In this UN Ocean Decade, we hope that readers everywhere will listen to their voices.”