Britt Arthur.
CEO and Conference Director Britt Arthur will step down from her executive role with the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) in November to begin her family.
Arthur leaves AIDC after overseeing a successful move from Adelaide to Melbourne’s Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and delivering a program in 2016 that attracted the highest delegate numbers in nine years.
AIDC Co-Chair Karena Slaninka said 2016 signalled an exciting re-energising of the AIDC conference and market.
“Britt has worked tremendously hard to realise this vision, delivering an AIDC that remained true to its original documentary spirit, whilst forging pathways into the international, unscripted television and multiplatform sectors,” said Slaninka.
“Britt has been an inspiring and passionate force of nature, generating a new momentum for the conference and we congratulate her on her outstanding success. We wish Britt every happiness as she starts the exciting journey on her next and most important ‘production’."
Reflecting on her time with AIDC, Arthur said she had loved working with the industry, the AIDC board and team shape and deliver an event that is relevant and engaging.
“We continue to get wonderful feedback about AIDC 2016 and I’m consistently pleased to hear about the many projects that have moved forwards as a result. Plus, we have so many exciting things in the works for AIDC’s 30th next year. So while I’m disappointed about stepping down, I feel really good about passing on the baton later this year.”
As an experienced documentary filmmaker, Arthur’s contribution to AIDC came from the perspective of a practitioner as much as an administrator.
She has worked across several top rating series, including: Grand Designs Australia, MY:24, The Force and the Australian version of Who Do You Think You Are?
Her independent documentaries (SMUT HOUNDS, Life Architecturally, My Uncle Bluey and Not in Front of the Kids) have screened in several film festivals around the world.
"Having established the event in a new home and reaffirmed its relevance as an essential industry gathering, her positive, forward-thinking stewardship leaves the event in excellent condition before the coming excitement of next year’s anniversary celebrations", said the AIDC in a statement.
Recruitment is now underway for a new CEO and Conference Director to lead the organisation after Arthur’s departure in November.
The 30th Anniversary Australian International Documentary Conference will take place from March 5-8 2017 at ACMI, Melbourne, with registration set to open November 7 2016 at www.aidc.com.au.