Toronto’s Luminato Festival has announced Josephine Ridge as the new incoming Artistic Director of the Luminato Festival.
Josephine Ridge – the former AD of Australia’s Melbourne Festival – will take over from outgoing Artistic Director Jorn Weisbrodt, who announced last summer that will be stepping down after the close of Luminato’s 10th-anniversary season this June.
Ridge brings an impressive resume with over 30 years of experience in theatre, opera, classical music, ballet, producing and arts venue management. She first served as General Manager and then Executive Director of the Sydney Festival from 2003 to 2012, and Deputy General Manager of both The Australian Ballet (1997 to 2002) and the Australian Chamber Orchestra (1993 to 1997). She headed the Melbourne Festival for three years and focused her mandate on creating a more inclusive and collaborative festival. Under her leadership, she increased audience engagement, box office revenue, sponsorship and private support.
“I couldn’t be more excited to introduce Canada to the incomparable Josephine Ridge, following Jorn Weisbrodt’s widely admired five years,” said CEO Anthony Sargent. “Josephine’s global reputation as an artistic curator and cultural leader is widely recognized and enormously impressive.”
In a press release statement, Ridge said she believes deeply in the fundamental importance of festivals such as Luminato, and was honoured to accept the new role. “I am confident that together with Anthony and the team, we can ensure Luminato’s future as one of the most acclaimed city-based arts festivals in the world – and most importantly, one that is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Toronto,” Ridge said.
Ridge will officially take the helm of Luminato this summer, and plans to attend the 10th anniversary Luminato Festival this June 10 to 26.
Tickets for the 2016 Luminato Festival are now on sale and can be purchased 24/7 at luminatofestival.com.
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