Australia's major First Nations literature festival, Blak & Bright has appointed Indigenous writer Bebe Oliver as its new artistic director and chief executive.
Mr Oilver, a descendant of the Bardi Jawi people of the Kimberley region, replaces outgoing chief executive Jane Harrison who held the position for eight years.
"I am extremely thrilled, honoured and humbled to lead Blak & Bright through its next journey of continuous milestones and growth," Mr Oliver said.
"Storytelling is one of the richest and most powerful paths of expression for the deep and layered identities of First Nations peoples. It fills me with so much pride to continue advocating for the voices and truths our communities need to hear."
In assuming the role, the writer, poet, illustrator and speaker, who later made a name for himself as a producer and director of theatre, festivals, and public art projects across Australia, paid tribute to Ms Harrison.
"Thanks to Jane Harrison's leadership and bravery, Blak & Bright is a vital fibre in the fabric of our cultural and creative landscapes," he said.
"I am committed to supporting our First Nations storytellers as their power and strength continues to grow."
Blak & Bright chair, Anne-Marie Te Whiu, said Ms Harrison has laid "solid foundations" for the organisation moving forward.
"The Blak & Bright board thank and congratulate Jane who has, for the past eight years, worked tirelessly to ensure First Nations storytelling, in all of its expressions, be platformed and celebrated," she said.
"Jane has laid solid foundations for Blak stories to continue to be shared and we are extremely thrilled that Bebe Oliver will carry that lantern into the future."
Ms Harrison said it was time to pass the reins onto Mr Bebe.
"Being Artistic Director at Blak & Bright since 2016 has been a career highlight," she said.
"I'm thrilled for Bebe to lead the team into a bright Blak future. He has my full support."
Established in 2016, Blak & Bright celebrates First Nations writers across all genres from oral stories to epic novels and plays to poetry.
It hosts a biennial four-day festival in Naarm, and works with other literary organisations to host year-round events with First Nation writers at the centre.
