Director appointed for City of Literature

Dunedin (Tuesday, 19 April 2016) – The Dunedin City Council has appointed Nicky Page as Director City of Literature.

Ms Page is currently an Academic Manager in the Division of Health Sciences at the University of Otago, managing academic administration, strategic projects and academic communications.

Dunedin City Council Group Manager Arts and Culture Bernie Hawke says, “We are delighted to announce the appointment and are very much looking forward to Nicky taking up this important role.

“Nicky brings a diverse range of skills and experience to the role which we hope will take the Dunedin City of Literature designation to the next level.”

Ms Page says, “I’m really looking forward to working with our wonderful local writers, as well as the City of Literature collaboration group, libraries, University, bookshops, galleries, museums, theatres, festivals, and creative communities.

“I’d like to build on the excellent initiatives and connections that have already been established and to collaborate proactively with other members of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. It will also be important to engage with schools, so that young Dunedinites can be proud of our city’s special designation.”

Ms Page has 20 years of experience in the publishing industry, including roles of publications manager, rights manager, senior editor and freelance editor for New Zealand and international publications. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Postgraduate Diploma in English from the University of Otago, combined with extensive experience working with the literary community. Ms Page will start her new role on 16 May.

Mr Hawke says there were 30 applicants for the position, with applications from Dunedin, elsewhere in New Zealand and overseas. The applicants were of a very high calibre and from varied backgrounds including the academic, publishing, editing, published authors, journalism, media and creative sectors.

Dunedin was designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Literature in December 2014. For details about our creative city and City of Literature projects and events, visit www.cityofliterature.co.nz.

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