Arts Centre chief Judith Isherwood steps down

Arts Centre Melbourne is on the lookout for a new chief executive after it announced Judith Isherwood will step down in November.

Ms Isherwood has been chief executive since 2009.

Victorian Arts Centre trust president Mr Tom Harley made the announcement in November, and he said the trust was thankful for Ms Isherwood’s contribution over the past four years.

“On behalf of the trust, I would like to express the considerable debt of gratitude that Victorians owe to Judith.”

“In her four year tenure, she has overseen the incredibly complex, challenging but successful rebuild of Hamer Hall and its reopening last year,” Mr Harley said.

He also stated that Ms Isherwood had laid foundations for long-term plans that would see her legacy last long into the future.

“Her recent work in developing a number of ambitious, long-term program initiatives focused on 2015 and beyond, has been particularly valued and we are hopeful of Judith’s continuing involvement in these plans,” Mr Harley explained.

“Judith has also been responsible for invigorating the centre with a comprehensive and diverse offering of programs,” he said.

“Through many programming activities, Arts Centre Melbourne has attracted growing and broader audiences with many people experiencing the Arts Centre’s rich offering for the first time.”

Ms Isherwood will officially step down on November 20, when Jodie Bennett will take over as acting chief executive.