As public funding for the arts continues to diminish following strict budget cuts, private philanthropy becomes ever more important in supporting the creation of new work, helping to keep the industry robust and to foster a healthy creative community for the country to enjoy. Fittingly, then, skincare brand Aesop last week announced the launch of a major new national essay award, The Horne Prize.

Created in partnership with The Saturday Paper, The Horne Prize – named after the late Australian author and academic David Horne AO – is valued at $15,000 and will be awarded later this year for an essay of up to 3000 awards that addresses some part of the theme of Australian life. To be judged by Erik Jensen, Suzanne Santos, Professor Marcia Langton AM, David Malouf AO and David Marr, the award was developed from Aesop’s ongoing interest in the written word and cultural engagement, having already partnered with The Paris Review and numerous writers’ festivals around the world. To enter, visit The Horne Prize website.