New Festival Leadership Announced

Newcastle Writers Festival is excited to announce that Tristan Sharp has been appointed Managing Director and Amy Lovat is the new Artistic Director.

Tristan brings more than 25 years’ experience in leadership roles across the cultural, corporate and public sectors. Most recently as an advisor to government and cultural institutions, Tristan has held senior positions with the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music, Australian Classification Board, Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (Powerhouse Museum) and Newcastle Art Gallery.

Amy steps into the Artistic Director role after three years as the festival’s Program Manager. She brings extensive festival programming and curatorial expertise, strong relationships across the Australian literary sector, and a deep understanding of the Festival’s audiences and artistic vision.

Newcastle Writers Festival President Kate Robinson said the appointments marked an exciting new chapter for the organisation. “Together, Tristan and Amy bring complementary strengths in strategic leadership and artistic direction that will build on the Festival’s remarkable legacy while continuing to evolve and strengthen its program for audiences, writers and the community.”

The new appointments follow the departure of Founding Director Rosemarie Milsom, who was appointed Director of Adelaide Writers’ Week in May.