Originally from Lebanon, Valerie Bistany is an arts producer, curator and manager with over 25 years experience in Ireland, the UK and the USA. Most recently, she was Director/CEO of the Irish Writers Centre (2013-2024) supporting writers at all stages of their career.

A trained mediator, Valerie has facilitated political dialogue workshops at Glencree, engaging with politicians from Ireland and Northern Ireland. She is experienced in family, neighbourhood, workplace, prison-based and elder mediation and is a founding member of Facing Forward, created to support the development of restorative justice practices in Ireland.

Valerie has served on both sides of the boardroom table with various arts and educational organisations over the years and is currently also on the board of Dublin Book Festival.