Linehan Extends Contract at EIF
EIF director extends to 2022
Fergus Linehan, has extended his contract as director of the EIF until 2022, promising to “developing new initiatives that will support the continued growth and development” of the festival.
Linehan presented his first Edinburgh International Festival programme in August 2015 and was appointed to lead the organisation for five festivals until 2019. The Board of the EIF has now invited him to lead a further three festivals, until September 2022.
Fergus Linehan, Edinburgh International Festival Director Pic Mihaela Bodlovic
Under Linehan’s direction the EIF has extended its reach, with such innovations as the free, outdoor Standard Life Opening Event.
One of his first acts was to move the EIF back into synch with the fringe for the 2015 festival. He has subsequently focussed more on theatre work than his most immediate predecessors, including revivals of Scottish productions for presentation during the festival.
Announcing his decision to extend his contract, Linehan said: “I am very grateful to the Board of the Edinburgh International Festival for giving me the opportunity to lead this extraordinary institution for a further three years. The commitment and creativity of the Festival team has made the past three years the most professionally exhilarating period of my career.
“We have tried, over this time, to broaden the Festival’s appeal while safeguarding our commitment to quality and virtuosity.
new initiatives
“Over the next 5 years we look forward to developing new initiatives that will support the continued growth and development of this remarkable event. I would like to thank our stakeholders, donors, fellow festivals and, most particularly, the people of Edinburgh for their ongoing support and enthusiasm.”
Niall Lothian, Chairman of the EIF’s board of trustees said: “We’re delighted that Fergus has accepted the Board’s invitation to extend his contract as Festival Director to 2022.
“His first three festivals revealed his in-depth knowledge of all cultural genres and his extensive contact book of artists and performers. Future festivals will, I’m sure, continue to reveal his creativity and innovation.”
The 2018 Edinburgh International Festival will run from Friday 3 to Monday 27 August. The programme is due to be announced on Wednesday 14 March 2018.
Edinburgh International Festival Website: www.eif.co.uk/.
Facebook: @EdintFest.
Twitter: @edintfest.
ENDS
