A new chapter begins for the Granite Noir crime writing festival
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Aberdeen Performing Arts has appointed a new programme associate, Catriona Cox, to join the team responsible for producing Aberdeen’s international crime writing festival.
Granite Noir was first staged in 2017 and over the last five years has grown a world wide following.
The festival attracts authors and audiences from all around the world but is firmly rooted in the north-east of Scotland, bringing thousands of people to Aberdeen every year. 2021 saw the festival go online for the first time with a series of virtual talks and workshops.
Granite Noir has presented global bestselling authors including Sara Paretsky, Jo Nesbo, Ann Cleeves, David Baldacci, Attica Locke and Camilla Lackberg, legendary Scottish writers Stuart MacBride, Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Chris Brookmyre and Denise Mina, showcased fantastic emerging UK and international crime writers, and produced unique crime-inspired events from locked room games to an historic trial in Aberdeen Sheriff Court.
The festival also has a reputation for discovering new talent and offering a platform for early career writers.
Aberdeen Performing Arts chief executive Jane Spiers said, “We are delighted Catriona is joining the Granite Noir team and we know she will be a fantastic asset to the festival.
"Her experience in publishing and range of contacts offer exciting avenues for us to explore and we look forward to seeing her ideas in action.
"We take a great deal of pride in Granite Noir and, with Catriona working with us, are excited to see what the future holds.”
Catriona Cox joins Aberdeen Performing Arts with an extensive background in publishing and festivals.
Having completed a Masters and undertaken PhD research in Publishing Studies at the University of Stirling, Catriona has held a number of diverse positions with literature-focused organisations such as the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Saltire Society, Bloody Scotland, Hidden Door Festival, Creative Edinburgh and Books From Scotland.
Catriona said “I am beyond thrilled to be joining Aberdeen Performing Arts as programme associate for Granite Noir.
"Having seen it grow over its first five years I am excited to be on board to continue the journey.
"I look forward to exploring diverse ideas, working with new and established partners, and inspiring a love of reading across our local and international audiences.”
Granite Noir is scheduled to return in February 2022 with a range of author conversations, workshops, family events and more.
The author talks from the virtual 2021 edition can be viewed On Demand at granitenoir.com.
