Lizzie Butterworth appointed as the new CEO of Australian Festival Association

The Australian Festival Association (AFA) has appointed public affairs and music policy specialist Lizzie Butterworth as its new Chief Executive, succeeding Olly Arkins.

Butterworth starts immediately, with Arkins set to leave the organisation at the end of August.

With a career spanning government, public policy and the music industry, Butterworth most recently worked as Business Director, Public Affairs at Ogilvy Australia.

She has also played a role in shaping music policy in NSW, including work on Sound NSW, festival regulation reforms, protections for live music venues and funding frameworks supporting artists, venues and festivals.

Butterworth said, “festivals are a vital part of Australia’s cultural identity and music industry. They have launched the careers of countless Australian artists, connected fans with unforgettable live experiences and created opportunities for workers, businesses and communities across the country.

“I’m excited to work with our members, Board and industry partners to build on the AFA’s strong foundations and continue advocating for a festival industry that is creative, resilient and sustainable.”

Keeping the festival experience thriving

AFA Chair Adelle Robinson said Butterworth's mix of government and industry experience comes at an important time for festival organisers dealing with financial and regulatory pressures.

Robinson said, “the Board is delighted to appoint Lizzie Butterworth as our next Chief Executive Officer.”

“Lizzie has spent her career working at the intersection of music, government and public policy. She knows how the government works from the inside, she knows our industry’s challenges, and she knows how to bring people together to drive change.”

Robinson added, “Australia’s festivals face complex regulatory, financial and operating pressures.

“Lizzie has built trusted relationships across government and industry and is exactly the kind of leader the Association needs as we continue advocating for a strong, sustainable and thriving festival sector.”

Butterworth takes on the leadership role as Australia's festival industry adjusts to higher production and insurance costs, changing audience spending habits and different regulations across states and territories.