“The chief executive of Arts Centre Melbourne, Judith Isherwood, will leave her post at the end of the month after four years in the job,” writes Sally Bennett in Friday’s (11/8) Herald Sun (Melbourne, Australia). “The organisation made the shock announcement tonight following a controversial year in which the organisation posted a net loss of $7.2m, cut jobs and planned a widespread restructure…. The Arts Centre tonight said there was ‘nothing sinister’ about Isherwood’s departure or the timing. President of the Victorian Arts Centre Trust, Tom Harley, said Isherwood’s decision to leave was her own and that she would go with ‘our warmest wishes and highest regard. We’re very sorry to see her go. We like her, we’re inspired by what’s done. But her departure does not mean any change in the directions or the ambitions that the centre has,’ he said…. The Arts Centre announced [a] $7.2m loss last month, but said it was largely driven by major expenses such as re-opening Hamer Hall and infrastructure maintenance. The search for a replacement for Isherwood will begin immediately.” Among the organizations that perform at Arts Centre Melbourne are the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Opera Australia, the Australian Ballet, and Melbourne Theatre Company.
Posted November 14, 2013
