Olivia Ansell has been appointed as the new Artistic Director of Luminato Festival Toronto, Canada’s annual international arts and culture festival – which means that 2025 is going to be a very big year for her. In January, she will lead her final Sydney Festival before moving to Toronto where her inaugural program for Luminato – its 19th iteration – will unfold.

Appointed as Festival Director in 2020, Ansell’s first Sydney Festival took place in 2022. Her programming was so well received her contract was extended by a year to 2025. Prior to that, the former performer, director and choreographer spent three years as Head of Contemporary Performance at Sydney Opera House.

Olivia Ansell, the incoming Luminato Artistic Director.

Olivia Ansell has been appointed as the new Artistic Director of Luminato Festival Toronto. Photo courtesy of Luminato Festival

Celia Smith, CEO of Luminato Festival Toronto, said that “Ansell’s dedication to cultural storytelling, audience engagement and animating place will help deepen Luminato’s impact as a cultural city-building organisation. She has a natural talent for understanding the pulse of a city and presenting it in an authentic manner.”

Queensland Ballet...