New AFA chief brings government and policy experience to festival advocacy
The Australian Festival Association (AFA) has announced Lizzie Butterworth as its new Chief Executive Officer, the body said on Wednesday. The appointment is effective immediately and follows the recent departure of former CEO Olly Arkins.
The AFA Board highlighted Butterworth’s combination of arts-sector experience and inside knowledge of government as the qualifications it sought for the role. A statement from the association quoted AFA Chair Adelle Robinson saying the Board was "delighted" with the appointment and that Butterworth would help the association navigate complex policy and regulatory challenges.
“Lizzie has spent her career working at the intersection of music, government and public policy. 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.” — Adelle Robinson, AFA Chair
Track record in NSW music policy and public affairs
According to the AFA announcement, Butterworth has an established record in New South Wales’ music sector. The association credits her with a leading role in the establishment of Sound NSW and with contributing to reforms around festival regulation and protections for live-music venues — areas the AFA says are central to the sector’s resilience.
Before taking the AFA post she worked in the private sector as Business Director — Public Affairs at Ogilvy Australia. The AFA framed her experience across government and industry as providing the relationships and policy skills needed to pursue stronger regulatory and financial outcomes for festivals.
What the AFA says it needs
The association’s statement set out the broad environment facing festivals: complex regulatory frameworks, financial pressures and operational challenges. The AFA indicated Butterworth’s role will be to continue advocacy for a "strong, sustainable and thriving festival sector" by engaging with members, industry partners and government.
- Appointment: Lizzie Butterworth named CEO of the Australian Festival Association, effective immediately.
- Background: Experience in NSW music policy, involvement in establishing Sound NSW, and reforms to festival regulation and venue protections.
- Most recent role: Business Director — Public Affairs at Ogilvy Australia.
Details at a glance
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| New CEO | Lizzie Butterworth |
| Effective | Immediate (announcement made on a Wednesday) |
| Previous employer | Ogilvy Australia (Business Director — Public Affairs) |
| Notable sector work | Sound NSW establishment; festival regulation and live-venue protections |
In a short comment included in the announcement, Butterworth described festivals as "a vital part of Australia’s cultural identity and music industry", saying she was excited to work with members, the Board and industry partners to build on the AFA’s foundations and continue advocating for a resilient festival industry.
“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.” — Lizzie Butterworth
For regional arts organisers and venue operators who watch global trends in festival governance and regulation, the appointment signals continued emphasis on policy engagement and government relations within peak industry bodies. The AFA’s stated priorities — regulation, financial stability and venue protections — will be the measures by which Butterworth’s impact is likely to be assessed in the months ahead.
