Reece to lead Perth Festival

Anna Reece is set to be the next Perth Festival artistic director after being appointed with a four year tenure commencing in 2025.

Ms Reece will be taking over from Iain Grandage following what would be his fifth Perth Festival as artistic director in 2024.

The announcement comes nearly 10 years after Ms Reece first worked with Perth Festival in 2014 to lead The Giants event as executive producer.

She continued to work at Perth Festival for more than five years as head of programming and later as executive producer.

Prior to working at Perth Festival, Ms Reece was chief executive and general manager at Darwin Festival for more than three years.

Since March 2021, Ms Reece has worked as director of Fremantle Arts Centre.

Perth Festival chair Tim Ungar said the arts company was delighted for Ms Reece to join the leading team.

“She has already played a pivotal role in creating and delivering many Perth Festival programs and it is especially exciting to welcome such an experienced and inspiring creative and strategic force to the helm,” Mr Ungar said.

“Anna is internationally respected as a colleague, collaborator and leader, and widely admired for her artistic sensibilities and curatorial clarity.”

Ms Reece said leading Perth Festival is a role she has aspired to work in since she commenced her 20-year career in the Australian arts sector.

“The opportunity to creatively lead and care for the future direction of Perth Festival is both rare and extraordinary and the most incredible privilege,” Ms Reece said.

“I acknowledge the immense responsibility that comes with this role, to our Noongar community, to our vibrant artistic community and to all who hold a place for Perth Festival in their hearts.”

Ms Reece is set to start working with the company in late 2023 to plan the delivery of the festivals under her leadership.