Gene Smith

Background

About Gene Smith

I am an experienced literary and ideas programmer, festival producer, and cultural leader, deeply passionate about creating meaningful connections between writers, thinkers, and audiences. Currently based in Melbourne, I serve as Head of Programming at The Wheeler Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas, where I lead a talented team in curating and delivering a dynamic and thought-provoking program of public conversations, lectures, and festivals. Additionally, I oversee two sector-leading fellowships and manage the prestigious Victorian Premier's Literary Awards. Previously, I was Head of Programming at Emirates Literature Foundation in the United Arab Emirates, where I also served as Associate Director for Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, the Middle East’s largest celebration of books and ideas. I have held senior leadership positions as International Programme Consultant at Indonesia's Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, overseeing the curation of their 20th anniversary celebration, and as Associate Director at Melbourne Writers Festival in Australia. In each of these roles, I played a key part in curating and producing major annual events that brought together global literary communities. I have also contributed to the literary sector by serving on peer assessment panels for grants and prizes, including those for Creative Victoria and the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards.