Norfolk & Norwich Festival Announce Artistic Director Stepping Down

The Board of Norfolk & Norwich Festival has just announced that at the end of this year's festival in May, the Artistic Director William Galinsky will be stepping down from the role he has held for 7 years.

During this time some of William's successes have included bringing innovative work across different genres to the county and city. These include 'Walking', 'Wolf's Child', 'Opus 7' 'People's Tower', 'It's Happening in Norwich', ' The Tempest' and the popular 'Festival GArden Party'. In addition, he has brought ground breaking artists and companies such as Circa and Nature Theater of Oklahoma to Norwich and Norfolk.

The Board of Norfolk & Norwich Festival would like to thank William for his commitment and achievements in helping to establish the festival as a world class event.

The Chair of the Festival Brenda Arthur said "As a result of William's work Norfolk & Norwich Festival is now regarded as one of the top four arts festivals in the country." She added that "the Board looks forward to building on the success of the Festival and increasing inclusivity and accessibility and working with local communities and encouraging more young local talent. William has grown the Festival so that we now have a solid base from which to look to the future. As such we have to thank him for all he has achieved and wish him every success in his next venture"

William Galinsky said "After 7 festivals, 60 world premieres, 124 new commissions, 40 festival co-productions and 2143 individual performances I have decided it's time to catch my breath and 2017 will be my Norfolk & Norwich Festival swan song. Being Artistic Director of NNF has been the most brilliant adventure - at times, it has made me feel like Willy Wonka. From Robert Wilson's Walking along the beaches and dunes at Holkham, to Wildwork's Wolf's Child in the forests of Felbrigg Hall, to a cardboard St Peter Mancroft built by thousands of volunteers, the Festival has given me the opportunity to bring the audiences and communities of Norwich and Norfolk experiences beyond an artistic director's wildest dreams. Seven festivals have gone in a flash and none of it would have been possible without the amazing Festival team, our army of wonderful volunteers, the wisdom and support of the NNF board, the faith of Arts Council England and Norwich City Council, and all of our friends, supporters and sponsors and, perhaps most importantly of all, the enthusiasm of our audiences. I am currently working with the NNF team to get most of the 2018 programme in place and at the end of this May's Festival I will take my final bow and set off on new adventures. Thank you, Norwich and Norfolk. It has been a privilege."

The Board of Norfolk & Norwich Festival will announce plans for William Galinsky's replacement in due course.

www.nnfestival.org.uk

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