Previous Festival Guest Directors

Working with artists of international and artistic renown expands the festival's horizons and takes our programme in interesting and innovative ways

Our Guest Directors have helped us discover new works, artists and ideas and push creative boundaries to take Brighton Festival in wonderful new directions and this year will be no different.

2020/2021: Lemn Sissay MBE

If you Google, the name 'Lemn Sissay' all the returning hits will be about him. There’s only one person in the world named Lemn Sissay

2019: Rokia Traoré

With her work rooted in Malian musical tradition, 2019’s Guest Director was one of Africa’s most inventive musicians

2018: David Shrigley

Best known for his distinctive drawing style and works that make satirical comments on the absurdity of 21st-century society.

2017: Kae Tempest

The Guest Director for Brighton Festival 2017 was the acclaimed recording artist, poet, playwright and novelist

2016: Laurie Anderson

The experimental artist and musician took the helm as Guest Director in 2016 as Brighton Festival celebrated its milestone 50th year

2015: Ali Smith

Described as an heir to Virgina Woolf, this award winning Scottish author was guest director for the 49th Festival

2014: Hofesh Shechter

Critically acclaimed choreographer, dancer, musician, composer and performer Hofesh Shechter helmed the 2014 Festival

2013: Michael Rosen

Celebrated poet, writer, broadcaster and former Children's Laureate Michael Rosen led the 47th Brighton Festival

2012: Vanessa Redgrave

Vanessa Redgrave brought her unique passion to the role of Guest Director of the 46th Brighton Festival.

2011: Aung San Suu Kyi

Brighton Festival celebrated liberty and freedom with Guest Director Aung San Suu Kyi in 2011.

2010: Brian Eno

One of popular music’s most innovative and influential figures, Brian Eno crafted a highly personal programme in 2010

2009: Anish Kapoor

Brighton Festival’s inaugural Guest Artistic Director Anish Kapoor turned Brighton into a city-wide art gallery.

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