What's Happening?
Rowan Woods has announced her departure as Creative Director of the Edinburgh TV Festival after two years in the role. Her tenure included overseeing the 2024 and 2025 editions of the festival, which is a major event in the UK television industry. Woods implemented significant changes, such as reshaping the curatorial approach to be more inclusive and eliminating the Edinburgh advisory board. Her leadership also saw the festival launch a bidding process that could potentially relocate the event from Edinburgh for the first time in 50 years. The search for her successor is set to begin in the new year.
Why It's Important?
Woods' departure marks a significant transition for the Edinburgh TV Festival, which has been a staple in the UK television industry for decades.
Her initiatives to make the festival more inclusive and open have set a new standard for future editions. The potential relocation of the festival could impact its historical significance and logistical operations, affecting stakeholders in the television industry who have traditionally relied on its Edinburgh location. The search for a new Creative Director will be crucial in determining the festival's future direction and maintaining its influence in the industry.
What's Next?
The Edinburgh TV Festival will begin the search for a new Creative Director in the upcoming year. This transition period will be closely watched by industry professionals, as the new leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the festival's future, including decisions about its location and curatorial approach. Stakeholders will be interested in how the festival continues to evolve and whether it will maintain its traditional roots or embrace new changes.
