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The Dunedin Fringe Arts Trust has announced the appointment of Josh Thomas as its new Director, taking charge of the Pecha Kucha Dunedin, the Amped Music Project and the cornerstone Dunedin Fringe Festival.

Thomas takes the reins from founding Director Paul Smith, involved since the Festival's inception in 2000.

Thomas has worked extensively in television production (bro town), art direction (Shortland Street) and events management. He is the current Dunedin Manager of the New Zealand International Film Festival, and the past coordinator of the Puaka Matariki Festival in Otepoti Dunedin.

Commenting on his appointment, Thomas states "the Dunedin Fringe Festival has become a celebrated part of our cultural calendar. It provides an important platform for extraordinary art and artists and I'm thrilled to come on board.

Thomas has plenty of ideas for the Fringe's future, but remained tight lipped about any surprises.

He explains “as an open access festival, the strength of the Fringe comes down to the energy and efforts of our artists locally, nationally and internationally. I'm looking forward to engaging Dunedin's creative community, and working with them to put together the best programme possible in 2015."

Trust Chair Warren Taylor said the number, and calibre, of applicants was a testament to how well regarded the Fringe now was.

Taylor added "Josh has the experience, drive and commitment to Dunedin we were looking for. He is well placed to take the base Paul Smith fostered for fourteen years, and continue to build the Fringe into a world class event, by and for the people of Dunedin."

Josh Thomas will take office on 18th August.

Registrations for the 2015 Dunedin Fringe will open in September, for the Festival in March.

Click here to visit the Dunedin Fringe website.

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