Ryckmans steps down at CWF

Canberra Writers Festival (CWF) has announced artistic director Jeanne Ryckmans is stepping down from the role.

Ryckmans, who was appointed to the role in late 2019, said it had been ‘gratifying to return to a full and live festival’ in 2022, following a hybrid festival in 2020 and the postponement and cancellation of the 2021 live event.

‘As much as I would like to direct a fourth festival in 2023, common sense dictates that I hand over the baton as I need to meet the looming deadline on my forthcoming manuscript to my very patient publisher, Terri-Ann at Upswell Publishing,’ said Ryckmans.

‘It’s been a privilege to program to the three “P’s” of power, passion and politics these past three years. The absolute highlight for me this year was the welcome sight of crowds surging through the majestic King’s Hall at Old Parliament House and the vibrant Kambri Cultural Centre at the Australian National University. It made the dark circles from sleepless nights and months of hard preparation all worth it.’

CWF chair Jane O’Dwyer thanked Ryckmans for ‘an extraordinary contribution to the festival, particularly during the uncertain days of the pandemic … This period included pivoting the program when the complex impacts of the pandemic first became clear and delivering an outstanding program to mark our return to an in-person Festival in 2022.’

Said board member Djon Mundine OAM: ‘Under Jeanne’s significant stewardship, we have benefited from a rich roster of diverse writers not just locally but internationally. The crowds this year and record-breaking book sales are testament to Jeanne’s passion and persistence. She will be sorely missed.’

Category: Local news