Key Takeaways
- New Appointment: Lizzie Butterworth is the new CEO of the Australian Festival Association.
- Policy Expertise: Butterworth has extensive experience in government and policy development.
- Industry Contributions: Major achievements include the formation of Sound NSW and reforms to festival regulations.
- Leadership Transition: Butterworth succeeds Olly Arkins, who served for five years.
SYDNEY, Australia — Lizzie Butterworth is appointed chief executive of the Australian Festival Association (AFA).
Butterworth brings to the role a wealth of policy expertise, government experience and industry knowledge. Previously, she worked for six years alongside minister for the arts, music and the night-time economy John Graham in the New South Wales parliament and government, serving as director of policy — arts, music and night-time economy, jobs and tourism.
There, Butterworth helped shape some of the most significant policy developments in NSW’s contemporary music sector.
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The incoming AFA CEO’s major contributions have included the formation of Sound NSW, reforms to festival regulation, protections for live music venues, and the development of new regulatory and funding frameworks that support artists, venues and festivals.
AFA chair Adelle Robinson welcomes Butterworth to the trade body.
“Lizzie has spent her career working at the intersection of music, government and public policy. She knows how government works from the inside, she knows our industry’s challenges, and she knows how to bring people together to drive change,” Robinson remarks in a statement.
Butterworth joins Australia’s festivals industry at a time of complex regulatory, financial and operating pressures, changing ticket-buying behaviors, and other issues, Robinson notes.
Looking ahead, she continues, “Lizzie has built trusted relationships across government and industry and is exactly the kind of leader the Association needs as we continue advocating for a strong, sustainable and thriving festival sector.”
Butterworth succeeds Olly Arkins, who departs this Friday, Aug. 21 after five years with the association.
The AFA publicly launched in December 2018, representing festival organizers, suppliers and stakeholders across Australia’s music festival sector. Its mission is to advocate for the festival industry by promoting best-practice safety and operational standards, providing a unified voice, and facilitating policy reform and investment.
Today, its members include Fuzzy, CMC Rocks, Live Nation, Hardware, Laneway, Groovin’ The Moo, Lost Paradise and many others.
“Festivals are a vital part of Australia’s cultural identity and music industry,” comments Butterworth. “They have launched the careers of countless Australian artists, connected fans with unforgettable live experiences and created opportunities for workers, businesses and communities across the country. I’m excited to work with our members, Board and industry partners to build on the AFA’s strong foundations and continue advocating for a festival industry that is creative, resilient and sustainable.”
