Dyer to step down as AWW director

Jo Dyer will step down as director of the Adelaide Writers Week (AWW) after the 2022 event.

‘Adelaide Writers’ Week is a very special festival and I count myself as extremely privileged to have been its director for the past three years,’ said Dyer, who oversaw her first AWW as director in 2019.

AWW was one of the last Australian literary festivals to run before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, and went ahead in person in 2021.

‘I am a firm believer in mixing things up so, after what will be my fourth festival in 2022, I think it’s appropriate to hand over the reins to someone else,’ said Dyer.

Adelaide Festival chair Judy Potter acknowledged Dyer’s ‘significant contribution’ to the event.

‘Under Jo’s leadership we have welcomed a stellar roster of writers from all over Australia and the world and enjoyed huge crowds and record-breaking book sales. She also expanded the program to embrace young adult readers and aspiring writers. I’d like to congratulate Jo and wish her all the very best.’

Announcing the 2022 festival theme A Better Picture, Dyer said, ‘Our quest will be to raise our eyes heavenward and think not just of the bigger picture, but of a better picture.’

‘The last eighteen months have been globally tumultuous, and, with our world in a state of unsettling flux, important conversations rage all around us,’ said Dyer. ‘With some of the most interesting and erudite minds set to contribute their most insightful and provocative ideas to our 2022 festival, I’m confident the combined creativity and imagination of our authors and audiences can bring A Better Picture into focus.’

Adelaide Writers Week is scheduled to run from 5–10 March 2022.

Category: Local news