Whistler Fest announces new director
March 09th, 2022
Filmmaker and author Rebecca Wood Barrett is the new head of the Whistler Writers Festival, taking over from founder, Stella Harvey.
Rebecca Wood Barrett, who holds an MFA in creative writing from UBC, wrote the kidlit novel, My Best Friend is Extinct (Orca, 2021) about a young boy who befriends a strange prehistoric-like creature. She has also published short fiction in literary journals such as Room and Antigonish Review.
Stella Harvey started the Whistler Writers Group in 2001, which evolved into The Whistler Writing Society, a charitable organization with four major programs promoting literacy, including its flagship, the Whistler Writers Fest. Wood Barrett has worked with the Whistler Writers Festival since its inception as a volunteer, board member, marketing manager and program manager.
Wood Barrett, whose title is artistic and executive director, paid homage to Harvey: “Stella has evolved the festival from a fledgling single reading and workshop event, into a world-class literary festival, and I look forward to building on her legacy, one that supports local writers and amplifies the diverse voices of Canadian authors, both emerging and established.”
Whistler Writing Society founder Stella Harvey, left, with new artistic and executive director, Rebecca Wood Barrett.
The 21st Whistler Writers Festival will celebrate authors and their books in a hybrid event October 13-16, 2022. The festival includes digital readings, workshops, speaker panels, spoken word events, music, webinars and more. Tickets go on sale August 31, 2022. For tickets, information and news visit www.whistlerwritersfest.com.
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