Sydney Writers’ Festival has appointed Tamara Zimet as its new Artistic Director, marking the return of one of Australia’s leading literary programmers after six years at Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Zimet began her programming career at Sydney Writers’ Festival in 2016, progressing from Program Coordinator to Program Manager and then Associate Director, where she co-curated the Festival’s program.

Tamara Zimet. Portrait © Laura Meek

Zimet joined Edinburgh International Book Festival in 2020 and became Director of Programming in 2024, helping shape its artistic direction and develop international relationships with writers, publishers, agents and cultural partners.

Her Australian credits include founding and directing Broadside, the Wheeler Centre’s festival of feminist ideas, in 2019. The inaugural event attracted more than 17,000 people and featured guests including Zadie Smith, Helen Garner, Jia Tolentino and Monica Lewinsky.

“Sydney Writers’ Festival is where I began my career in literary programming a decade ago, so to return to Australia as the Artistic Director is an enormous honour,” Zimet said.

“After six incredible years in Edinburgh, I’m thrilled to be coming home to SWF with everything I have learned and the relationships I have developed.”

SWF CEO Brooke Webb said Zimet’s international experience and knowledge of the Festival made her “particularly well placed” to build on its success.

“Tamara is an exceptional appointment to lead SWF’s artistic vision into its next chapter,” Webb said.
Zimet’s appointment follows an international search led by the Festival’s board.

She will commence in the role in November 2026, succeeding Ann Mossop as the Festival’s artistic leader.