Melbourne Writers Festival appoints Veronica Sullivan as new Festival Director
Melbourne Writers Festival (MWF), the city’s premier literary event, is pleased to announce the appointment of Veronica Sullivan as its Festival Director, effective 22 August 2024.
Sullivan joins MWF from The Wheeler Centre, where she has served as Head of Programming since 2020. Prior to this she was Program Manager of the Feminist Writers Festival, Prize Manager of the Stella Prize, and Online Editor of Kill Your Darlings. She is currently a board member of Overland literary journal and the Kat Muscat Fellowship.
With a deep passion for literature and a commitment to fostering inclusive and diverse literary conversations, Sullivan is set to expand the festival’s reach and further enhance its role as a pre-eminent cultural event in Victoria and Australia.
Commenting on her appointment, Veronica Sullivan said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be Melbourne Writers Festival’s new Festival Director. I have admired and been inspired by MWF’s brilliant programming for many years and am honoured to lead the organisation into its next era.
“I look forward to collaborating with writers and the literary community and am excited to curate vibrant festivals that celebrate our City of Literature and offer something for every reader. Melbourne's discerning and passionate literary audiences motivate me to ensure that the festival continues to evolve, challenge, inspire, and engage with diverse voices and stories, from both here and abroad."
The search for the Festival Director attracted more than 50 applications from across Victoria, interstate, and internationally. Sullivan was chosen to step into the newly created role that combines the responsibilities of CEO and Artistic Director.
Debra Russell, Chair of the Melbourne Writers Festival board said: "Veronica's wealth of experience in Australia's literary arts is remarkable. Her impressive background, combined with a visionary approach to programming, positions her perfectly to lead MWF into an exciting new chapter."
MWF is a celebration of literature and ideas, bringing together writers, readers, and thinkers from around the globe. With a commitment to fostering a love for reading and promoting literary culture, MWF hosts a diverse range of events, including author talks, panel discussions, workshops, and performances.
Russell also paid tribute to the outgoing Artistic Director Michaela McGuire: “Our 2024 Festival, expertly conceived and delivered by Michaela and her team, was brimming with highlights including Melbourne’s own Tony Birch and many other leading Australian writers. There were Pulitzer and Booker Prize winners and New York Times bestselling authors. Notable participants included Ann Patchett, Toshikazu Kawaguchi, Paul Lynch, and more.
“We look forward to returning with next year’s Festival.”