From programming events like Falls Festival and Sydney Festival to becoming creative director of Hobart Current: Epoch, Chris Twite is the driving force behind some of Australia’s biggest arts events.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I’m a recent transplant to Hobart, but I grew up under the flight path in Sydney.

Tell us a little about your work. Before arriving in Hobart, I’d spent the last few years working on projects across Australia. I recently wrapped up at Sydney Festival and before that I was programming Falls Festival, after a stint at Brisbane Festival and the Sydney Opera House. In addition to Hobart Current, in April I was appointed the new artistic director of Dark Mofo.

You’ve been appointed creative director of Hobart Current: Epoch. Was this the beginning of your relationship with Hobart? Falls Festival was my first dive into working in Tasmania, but it was great to be able to delve deeper into Hobart’s creative community for Hobart Current.

You’ve curated and produced some of Australia’s biggest festivals and art events. Were you always a ringleader? Early on I was lucky enough to find myself in a scene of like minded DIY kids who just wanted to see things happen in a fading city and who would make it themselves if they couldn’t find it. Being part of a buzzing community is what breeds creativity and makes you want to chase bigger ideas.

Favourite film? Recently, I was blown away by Past Lives. The longing was achingly beautiful and Gretta Lee was incredible.

Secret vice? Tea, I’m a demon for an Earl Grey. I’m always sneaking around trying to plug in a kettle somewhere backstage.

What are you reading now? This month it’s been a mix with Colson Whitehead’s Crook Manifesto, Christopher Buehlman’s Between Two Fires, Agustina Bazterrica’s Tender is the Flesh and Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton.

What are your daily news/social media habits? I’m always cycling between the news podcasts whether it’s Full Story, 7am, Party Room or The Daily and Today Explained to find out what’s happening.

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast/Lunch: For breakfast or lunch it’s got to be Sunbear; the food, the music and the vibe are always on point.

Dinner: If I’m on the hunt for something simple, I can’t go past the pizza from Baked in Moonah.

Dream holiday destination? Whenever I need to really unwind, it usually means I’m heading off to a desert somewhere; clear skies and dirt to the horizon.

Hobart Current: Epoch runs from 17 November 2023 until 11 February 2024. The exhibition showcases diverse contemporary artists, both leading and emerging, at Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) and other spaces around the Hobart CBD. Head to www.hobartcurrent.com to find out more.