Artistic Director

Join a leading regional arts organisation to deliver one of Australia’s most respected literary festivals in 2027 and 2028.

Newcastle Writers Festival

Newcastle Writers Festival is one of Australia’s leading literary festivals, with a strong national reputation for accessible, high-quality programming. Since the inaugural event in 2013, the festival has grown significantly in scale and impact, presenting a vibrant annual program that attracts acclaimed Australian and international writers alongside emerging voices. Known for its engaged audiences and inclusive ethos, the festival plays a vital role in the cultural life of Newcastle and the broader Hunter region, while contributing meaningfully to the national literary landscape.

Position Overview

Newcastle Writers Festival is restructuring in response to the departure of the Founding Director, and the Artistic Director is a newly created role. The Artistic Director leads the creative vision, curatorial direction and programming of one of Australia’s leading literary festivals. This role is responsible for shaping a distinctive, inclusive and ambitious program that reflects contemporary literary culture while engaging broad and diverse audiences.

The Artistic Director is responsible for researching, developing, producing and delivering the festival’s year-round artistic program within approved budgets and timeframes. This includes out-of-season events. They are committed to literature, writing and ideas, and to creating powerful experiences for our audiences.

The successful candidate will demonstrate global thinking and has the commercial acumen to grow the festival’s reach and impact. Working closely with the festival team, board and key partners, the Artistic Director ensures the delivery of a high-quality annual festival and associated year-round programming, strengthening the festival’s national profile and deepening its connection to the Hunter community.

This is a Hunter-based role but applicants outside the region are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

 ● Artistic Leadership and Programming

 ● Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

● Strategic Contribution

● Team Leadership and Collaboration

● Program Delivery

Key Selection Criteria

● Deep knowledge of contemporary literature and publishing, both in Australia and internationally, as well as established networks.

● Demonstrated strong networks across the literary industry.

● Proven ability to develop innovative, audience-focused programming.

● Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in programming.

● Outstanding interpersonal skills, exceptional communicator, negotiator and listener with the proven ability to build rapport with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including government, national and international partners, and media.

● Exceptional organisational and administration skills with an energetic, collaborative, flexible and proactive approach to problem solving and information sharing, reflecting a commitment to organisational values and objectives.

● Ability to work collaboratively while leading with clarity and vision.

● Strong organisational skills and capacity to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

More information

 For a full position description visit https://www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/work-with-us-2026/

or email NWF president Kate Robinson [email protected]