The Northern Rivers Writers’ Centre has announced Edwina Johnson as new director of the Centre and of the Byron Bay Writers’ Festival.
Ms Johnson takes up the new role in November and is currently collaborating closely with outgoing director Jeni Caffin in planning next year’s festival.
Northern Rivers Writers’ Centre chair Chris Hanley welcomed the appointment.
‘The Centre has been around for nearly 20 years now, and its showpiece, the Byron Bay Writers’ Festival, has become an internationally recognised event. Many people don’t realise the festival is a not-for-profit venture, almost entirely self-funded and run by a small group of highly skilled staff and dedicated local volunteers,’ he said.
Ms Johnson is experienced in publishing, arts and event management. Currently she is the manager of Faber Academy at Allen & Unwin in Sydney. Ms Caffin will shortly undertake a contract in Indonesia with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, directing a Festival of Ideas in Jakarta as part of Oz Fest 2014. She will retain a connection with the Byron Bay Writers’ Festival.