Sharp appointed CEO of SWF

Friday, 8 June 2018 Books+Publishing

Sydney Writers’ Festival (SWF) has appointed Chrissy Sharp as its new CEO.

Sharp, who was previously the inaugural director of the Wheeler Centre in Melbourne from 2009 to 2011, will commence the role on 2 July, replacing outgoing CEO Jo Dyer.

Prior to her time at the Wheeler Centre, Sharp served as general manager at London performing arts theatre Sadler’s Wells, general manager of the Sydney Festival from 2000 to 2003, head of policy for SBS, and executive director of the Australian Writers’ Guild. She is currently a board director of Sydney Dance Company.

‘I am hugely excited to be joining Sydney Writers’ Festival,’ said Sharp. ‘There’s nothing I’d rather be doing than working with writers and leading this much-loved and revered organisation.’

Chair of SWF Mark Scott said the festival is delighted to have secured Sharp for the role. ‘Chrissy has an impressive background in arts management, with experience across all artforms, most notably as the inaugural director of the Wheeler Centre. We are thrilled to have someone of Chrissy’s experience and reputation to steer us into the future.’

Sharp will replace outgoing CEO Dyer, who announced she was stepping down from the position in March to take up a new role as director at Adelaide Writers’ Week.

The 2019 festival will take place from 29 April to 5 May at Carriageworks.

Category: Festivals Local news