Just because the Tamar Valley Writers Festival had to cancel their biennial event does not mean they have sat idle. They have instead been busy appointing a new creative director and starting a podcast series.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The festival, which started in 2014, was cancelled this year due to COVID-19. It is usually held on the second weekend of September.
President Mary Machen said it was disappointing to have to cancel and the decision was not taken lightly.
"At the end of the day we made a tough call but a right call, and it was at the right time."
The volunteer team behind the festival used the cancellation to have a strategy day and reimagine the festival.
"It's brought fresh energy, fresh vision, and we are very excited about what is possible," Ms Machen said.
"We want to bring alive the magic of words."
In other news:
The organisers are working on a mini festival for next year in September and then a fully fledged project for 2022.
Part of the reimagined festival was the development of some major projects which are still being kept under wraps. To help with this, the festival has appointed a creative director.
Georgie Todman took on the new position and is very excited to bring her theatrical and teaching experience to the role as well as her passion for writing. She hopes the event will become more interactive and immersive.
"I think it's really going to be educational and interactive which I'm really excited about," she said.
The new creative director said the festival is a great way for people to network.
"It doesn't matter if you are someone that scribbles at home or someone that has published a book before - I think it's just a real chance to come together as a community."
The festival committee has also launched a series of podcasts hosted by Lyndon Riggall and Annie Warburton.
Riggall said one of the exciting changes with the podcast format is that the festival has the possibility to reach a global audience unlike before.
"It's really nice to support some of the people who our audience may not have heard of but also to drill down into the details of some of those big stars of Tasmanian literature as well," he said.
The podcast host estimates there is about a year's worth of the podcast filmed already, with a new episode released every month or so.
When the festival returns both Todman and Riggall hope to bring together the event with the podcasts in some form.
The podcast and other information about the festival can be found at https://www.tamarvalleywritersfestival.com.au.
Dana Anderson
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
