Tauranga Arts Festival has a newly appointed associate artistic director joining the festival's organising team for 2023.

Alex Ellis of Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Porou and Pākeha descent has been welcomed by the Tauranga Arts Festival Board to the festival team.

"Alex joins us in the newly established role of Associate Artistic Director. This role is designed to develop talent and provide support to the Artistic Director, Shane Bosher, in the programming and production of the Festival," says a board spokesperson.

Alex was born and raised in Tauranga. In 2005 she formed Flaxworks theatre company with her partner Phil Ormsby to produce original theatre, and together have toured throughout New Zealand and Australia.

"Some may remember Alex's wonderful performances in Miss Jean Batten which was part of the 2019 festival programme and Drowning in Veronica Lake in 2011."

While currently based in Auckland, Alex has a strong connection to Tauranga, its history and creative community.

"Alex is passionate about performance and believes it is important to see and experience a wide range of artistic expression."

The board says Alex's previous experiences touring New Zealand and working for the Auckland Arts Festival and Auckland Live were incredibly inspiring for her and confirmed her belief that the arts are vital to the community.

"Together, Alex, Shane and General Manager Nikki Hansen will bring a diverse skill set to the development and delivery of the 2023 festival programme," says a board spokesperson.

"Alex will travel to Tauranga throughout the year and will be based here full time during the festival.

"The board and festival team are thrilled to have Alex make up part of the team this year as we welcome her back to Tauranga."

The next Tauranga Arts Festival is being held on October 19-29, 2023. For more information go to www.taurangafestival.co.nz