Press release 26 April 2023
The Peter-Weiss-Stiftung für Kunst und Politik e.V. [PWS] is pleased to have found a new Managing Director for the international literature festival berlin [ilb] in Lavinia Frey as of 1st of May 2023. Lavinia Frey, an experienced cultural manager, will lead the fortunes of the festival with immediate effect. The program for 2023, a transitional year following the resignation of festival founder and long-time director Ulrich Schreiber, are based on his preliminary curatorial work as well as on planning by the team. Together with the new Managing Director, the PWS will determine a new curatorial direction in the course of this year.
As a cultural manager, director, and dramaturg, Lavinia Frey has initiated and directed international projects focused on the mediation of art and culture, most recently directing programs at the Humboldt Forum Berlin. Her extensive knowledge of the literature and culture of various countries, as well as her profound experience in cultural management and as an organizational developer, make her an ideal fit as new head of the ilb. Frey is known for her dedication to literature and her ability to interconnect different genres.
“I am thrilled to be part of the ilb team and to lead this renowned festival into a new era,” says Lavinia Frey. “I believe literature has a unique power to connect, inspire, and enrich us. We want to highlight the voices of those who are often overlooked, while celebrating the authors who already play a significant role in world literature. I am looking forward to working with the team and making the festival a memorable event for all.”
The PWS remains the organizing association of the international literature festival berlin, one of the most important festivals worldwide. Each year, it brings authors and literature enthusiasts from all over the world to Berlin and offers an extensive program of readings, discussions, workshops, and performances that address a wide variety of audience interests. The PWS will continue to promote the festival’s social and political emphasis, which has been established since its founding.
The 23rd international literature festival berlin will take place from 6-16 September 2023.
Barbara Wahlster and Prof. Johannes Kister, Directors of board of the PWS