Victoria Smithson

Victoria is the newest member of the Nairn Book & Arts Festival team, joining as Festival Assistant. 

After studying music at university, she started her career at the BBC Proms, where she spent several years working in communications and event coordination. She also worked at BBC Radio 3 and with the wider BBC Arts team, before moving to Edinburgh International Festival. She has also done freelance PR work for East Neuk Festival, the Association of British Orchestras & Scottish Opera and worked as Head of Press at RDMR, supporting clients including the CBSO, Aurora Orchestra, Jess Gillam, the RPS, and Manchester Collective. 

More recently, Vic has been expanding her involvement in creative learning projects, gaining experience with the teams at National Youth Orchestras of Scotland, Edinburgh International Festival, and Scottish Chamber Orchestra – all while enjoying time with her young toddler who keeps her on her toes!

Since moving to Nairn, she has loved getting to know the local arts scene and has enjoyed being a member of the festival's Arts Group for the past couple of years. Now, she's excited to take on a more hands-on role for 2025 , and is looking forward to gaining insight into all aspects of the festival and to working with Artistic Director, Tanera.

Vic is passionate about projects that engage people from all backgrounds and enjoys connecting with individuals and organisations that believe the arts should be accessible, inclusive, and inspiring for everyone – making Nairn Book & Arts Festival the perfect fit!