Lizzie Butterworth is the new CEO of the Australian Festival Association
New CEO Brings Policy Expertise to Lead Australia’s Festival Industry
Sydney, Australia — The Australian Festival Association (AFA) has welcomed Lizzie Butterworth as its new chief executive, bringing a powerful blend of policy expertise, government experience, and deep industry knowledge to steer the organization. This appointment signals a significant push for strategic change and advocacy within Australia’s vibrant music festival sector.
Butterworth’s background is uniquely suited to navigating the complex landscape of arts, music, and economic development. Prior to taking the helm of the AFA, she spent six years working closely with the Minister for the Arts, Music, and the Night-time Economy in the New South Wales parliament and government. This experience provided her with an intimate understanding of how government operates, allowing her to connect policy directly with the practical challenges faced by artists, venues, and festivals.
During her time in government, she played a crucial role in shaping key policy developments for the contemporary music sector in NSW. Her previous contributions included driving initiatives such as the formation of Sound NSW, implementing crucial reforms to festival regulation, establishing protections for live music venues, and developing new regulatory and funding frameworks designed to support the industry.
Joining the AFA now comes at a pivotal moment for the festival industry. Members are grappling with complex regulatory hurdles, financial pressures, evolving ticket-buying behaviors, and the need for sustainable operational models. Butterworth is poised to leverage her ability to bridge the gap between government mandates and industry needs to drive essential reform.
Adelle Robinson, the AFA chair, expressed great enthusiasm for Butterworth’s arrival. “Lizzie has spent her career working at the intersection of music, government, and public policy,” Robinson stated. “She knows how government works from the inside, she knows our industry’s challenges, and she knows how to bring people together to drive change.”
The AFA, established in December 2018, serves as a unified voice for festival organizers, suppliers, and stakeholders across the country. Its mission is to advocate for the festival industry, promote best-practice safety and operational standards, and facilitate necessary policy reform and investment. Current members include major industry players such as Fuzzy, CMC Rocks, Live Nation, and Laneway.
Butterworth reflects on the opportunity ahead, emphasizing the vital role festivals play in the nation’s cultural identity. “Festivals are a vital part of Australia’s cultural identity and music industry,” she commented. “They have launched the careers of countless Australian artists and created opportunities for workers, businesses, and communities. I am excited to work with our members, the 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.”
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