Tamara Zimet appointed artistic director of Sydney Writers’ Festival

Tamara Zimet has been appointed as the new artistic director of the Sydney Writers’ Festival. Zimet, a Melbourne native, returns to Australia after serving at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, where she rose to become the director of programming.

Zimet’s appointment comes during a period of heightened scrutiny for literary festivals regarding programming decisions. She has emphasized that the festival should serve as a forum for exploring complex ideas and nuanced discussions, stating that “disagreement isn’t harm” but rather an opportunity to connect with diverse perspectives and support freedom of expression.

Zimet previously held roles as a program coordinator and associate director at the Sydney Writers’ Festival starting in 2016. Her career also includes founding the Broadside feminist ideas festival for Melbourne’s Wheeler Centre.