Aberdeen Performing Arts has announced that Ann Landmann will curate the next Granite Noir Festival in 2027.
The international crime writing festival has taken place each February in Aberdeen for 10 years, building a reputation as one of Scotland’s leading literary festivals, and Ann’s appointment marks the beginning of its second decade.
Ann Landmann has worked in the Scottish literature sector for over 20 years. Passionate about bringing people together through books and literary events, she honed her programming skills as the Events Manager at Blackwell’s Bookshop for nine years before moving into a sales role with Edinburgh-based independent publisher Birlinn Ltd. In 2018, she founded Cymera: Scotland’s Festival of Science-Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Writing.
Aberdeen Performing Arts Head of Programming, Steven Milne, said: “Ann brings a wealth of knowledge, passion and inspiration to Granite Noir and is perfectly placed to take the festival to a new, exciting and refreshed place for the 2027 edition.
Photo credit: Chris Scott
“The festival’s first decade has given us some extraordinary highlights, a loyal following, and wonderful audiences brimming with curiosity.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Ann to the fold to discover what this new chapter has in store for Granite Noir!”
Ann Landmann said: “I am thrilled to join the team at Aberdeen Performing Arts to produce Granite Noir, a jewel in the crown of Aberdeen’s cultural calendar.
“Granite Noir has become a firm favourite for readers and writers in Aberdeenshire and beyond, and I am looking forward to building on 10 years of success and bringing new ideas and authors to the festival.”
Granite Noir is internationally renowned, with over 100 authors, speakers, broadcasters and performers participating in the landmark programme across five days in 2026, making it the largest Granite Noir to date.
The festival is inspired by the incredible popularity of crime fiction in all its forms, on the page and on screen, and most of all inspired by Aberdeen, which is the perfect backdrop for the festival – steeped in history, atmospheric, quirky and with a strong sense of place.
Granite Noir is produced and curated by Aberdeen Performing Art with grateful support from
funders Aberdeen City Council and Creative Scotland. Granite Noir is presented with partners Aberdeen City Libraries, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives, Belmont Cinema and Robert Gordon University.