James Gough named CEO, Felix Preval’s artistic director tenure extended

THE new chief executive of Darwin Festival has been appointed

Darwin Festival Artistic Director Felix Preval and then-acting chief executive James Gough with Drag Territory Divas in Festival Park.

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JAMES Gough has been appointed the new chief executive of Darwin Festival.

Mr Gough joined the D-Fest team in 2019 before stepping into the acting chief executive role to oversee the 2020 festival through the COVID-19 pandemic.

He has more than 10 years experience in the arts and entertainment industry, and is the founder of event company NOOK Events.

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Mr Gough was thrilled to lead D-Fest into the future.

“We have had so many learnings from this year’s Festival that will inform our future planning,” he said.

“Nobody knows what is around the corner but a return to a full 18-day event is our plan and we hope to surprise and delight audiences with a genre rich program that attracts not only loyal local audiences but interstate visitation because who wouldn’t want to escape a southern winter for hot tropical August nights in Darwin, where a Festival wonderland awaits.”

Artistic director Felix Preval has also had his role extended for another two years.

Mr Preval has programmed four festivals, including the record-breaking 40th anniversary festival.

“It was wonderful to deliver a homegrown Festival this year – and a privilege to deliver a live event at all,” he said.

“DF20 Homegrown allowed us to really strengthen our connection with the arts community and local audiences and I am looking forward to building on this engagement.

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“My extended tenure means I can focus on planning for larger more complex works that need that that time investment. I am also excited to call Darwin home for another 2 years.

“Looking ahead to 2021, the Darwin community will continue to remain at the heart of Darwin Festival, but we do hope to welcome back our growing interstate audience base in a bigger festival format.”

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