Dunedin Fringe: Under New Management
July 18, 2014
The Dunedin Fringe Arts Trust is proud to announce the appointment of Josh Thomas as its new Director. He will take
charge of Pecha Kucha Dunedin, the Amped Music Project and the cornerstone Dunedin Fringe Festival. He takes the reins
from founding director Paul Smith, involved since the Festival's inception in 2000.
"The Dunedin Fringe Festival has become a celebrated part of our cultural calendar. It provides an important platform
for extraordinary art and artists and I'm thrilled to come on board", he said.
Josh has worked extensively in television production (bro town), art direction (Shortland Street) and events management. He is the current Dunedin Manager of the New Zealand International Film Festival, and the past
coordinator of the Puaka Matariki Festival in Otepoti Dunedin. He has plenty of ideas for the Fringe's future, but
remained tight lipped about any surprises.
"As an open access festival, the strength of the Fringe comes down to the energy and efforts of our artists locally,
nationally and internationally. I'm looking forward to engaging Dunedin's creative community, and working with them to
put together the best programme possible in 2015."
Trust Chair Warren Taylor said the number, and calibre, of applicants was a testament to how well regarded the Fringe
now was.
"Josh has the experience, drive and commitment to Dunedin we were looking for. He is well placed to take the base Paul
Smith fostered for fourteen years, and continue to build the Fringe into a world class event, by and for the people of
Dunedin."
Josh Thomas will take office on August 18. Registrations for the 2015 Dunedin Fringe will open in September, for the
Festival in March.
ENDS