Andrews appointed to new role of academy manager for Rathbones Folio Prize

Tanya Andrews has been appointed to the newly created role of Folio Academy manager for the Rathbones Folio Prize.

The new role has been created to develop new initiatives working with members of the Folio Academy, the body of more than 300 writers that underpins all Rathbones Folio activities. It will focus on building the Rathbones Folio Mentorships scheme, now in its fifth year, and the programme of events run in partnership with the British Library, 5x15, UEA, Fane productions and literary festivals around the country, as well as extending the reach of the annual Rathbones Folio Prize.

Andrews has previously worked in publicity at the South Bank Centre and Faber & Faber, was senior literature specialist at the British Council and programme director for The Small Wonder Festival at the Charleston Trust.

She said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Rathbones Folio team at this significant stage in its development. Prizes are such an important part of our literary culture, and the charity’s commitment to exploring the power and potential of writing to transform lives really struck a chord with me.”

Minna Fry, executive director, added: “We are delighted to appoint Tanya who has so much experience working with literary institutions and festivals as well as many years of hands-on involvement with authors who are of course at the core of everything we do . We are very excited at the prospect of fulfilling the potential of the Folio Academy as we enter our sixth year of activities under the sponsorship of Rathbones. Having moved most of our initiatives online during the Covid-19 pandemic, we hope to return to real life events soon, with renewed energy and a busy, year-round programme.”

The 2022 Rathbones Folio Prize will be awarded in a ceremony on 23rd March at the British Library, with the shortlist announcement on 9th February and a programme of associated events throughout the spring.