Joseph Mitchell is stepping down as artistic director of OzAsia Festival. Mitchell has overseen five editions of the festival, which has built bridges between Asian performing arts and Australian audiences. The festival is part of the Adelaide Festival Centre’s programming.
“He has successfully showcased the best of contemporary Asian performing and visual arts in a way never before seen in this country,” remarked Adelaide Festival Centre CEO & artistic director Douglas Gautier.
“He has been a leader in presenting an event that speaks to multi-cultural Australia and the 200,000 attendances for last year’s festival show that his programming approach is very much in tune with modern Australia – now the most multi-cultural country on the planet.”
During his five-year tenure Mitchell oversaw more than 100 world or Australian premieres and commissioned 25 new works.
Said Mitchell: “During this time we have seen the Australian debut of many world-leading artists alongside our dedicated support for the development and commissioning of new work by Asian-Australian artists and Australian-international arts collaborations.” He also took time to thank his staff and the OzAsia audience.
Mitchell has not announced any permanent new roles yet, though he will direct Summer of the 17th Doll for State Opera South Australia later this year.
In 2020 OzAsia festival takes place from 22 October – 8 November.