Festivals expert joins Fringe as Head of Artists, Venues and Events

Published by: Adelaide Fringe | 5-Jun-2017
Adelaide Fringe"s new Head of Artists, Venues and Events Jo O"Callaghan will bring a wealth of festival experience to the position when she joins the team today.
Ms O"Callaghan has been a key player in Melbourne"s arts industry over the past seven years, starting with her role as Venues Manager at the Melbourne International Film Festival from 2010 to 2012.

She is now returning to her hometown for a chance to progress in her career and be closer to family and friends.

"Joining the team behind Australia"s largest annual arts festival is an exciting step for me, and the role fits in really well with the experience I"ve gained in Melbourne," she said.

As Festival Director of Short + Sweet Melbourne from 2012 to 2013, Ms O"Callaghan curated and delivered a program of new cabaret works, each just 10 minutes long, from some of Australia"s best emerging and established artists.

She then returned to the MIFF as its Festival Lounge Producer from 2014 to 2015 and worked for the 2016 Melbourne Fringe as its Associate Producer of Events.

Ms O"Callaghan has also been the Venues Operations Manager for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival since 2012 and has left this role to take the job at Adelaide Fringe.

Apart from her extensive venue management experience, Ms O"Callaghan is also familiar with the rewards and challenges of being a Fringe artist. In recent years she has provided comedic relief, performed musical numbers and shared personal stories during her Op Shop Tour event at the Adelaide Fringe and other festivals across Australia.

"I love the controlled chaos of festivals and how they present such a unique audience experience," Ms O"Callaghan said.

"I feel really privileged to have been part of so many wonderful arts events in Melbourne, and I look forward to bringing these skills over to Adelaide Fringe."

Ms O"Callaghan replaces former Head of Artists, Venues and Events Carin Waterson, who was employed by Adelaide Fringe in a range of roles across the organisation.

"Carin has done an excellent job here at Adelaide Fringe for the past 10 years and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours," said Adelaide Fringe Director and CEO Heather Croall.

"We are also very much looking forward to welcoming Jo to the team and working with her on what will be yet another fabulous festival in 2018."

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