Andria Wilson is a passionate arts administrator with a diverse work history across non-profit organizations. She has spent the last 15 years in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she was an integral contributor to the arts and LGBTQ+ communities and co-founder of OUTeast, Atlantic Canada’s Queer Film Festival in 2011.

Wilson will assume her new position on Monday, October 31, 2016, succeeding outgoing Executive Director Scott Ferguson, who has guided the organization through 16 years of remarkable growth.

“After a rigorous search process that yielded a lot of interest, Andria impressed the Board with her winning combination of results-based experience and visionary leadership,” said Jason Wagar, Chair of Inside Out’s Board of Directors. “Her energy, talent, and passion will serve Inside Out and our audiences well as we build upon the organization’s success.”

In addition to co-founding OUTeast and leading the organization through five successful annual festivals, she served as the Festival Producer of the TD Halifax Jazz Festival in 2016.

Wilson was the Operations Manager for the East Coast Music Association, including oversight of its Industry Conference, East Coast Music Week, and televised East Coast Music Awards, also serving a year as Interim Executive Director.

Wilson was the first Managing Producer for 2b theatre company, the largest exporter of theatre for adults east of Quebec, and the founder and producer of Left Foot First Productions. She managed cinema operations for the Atlantic Film Festival for 6 years and was the Artistic Director of the 2014 Creative Nova Scotia Awards.

“For more than 25 years, Inside Out has brought the world’s best achievements in queer cinema to audiences in Toronto and Ottawa, and has created opportunities for many Canadian filmmakers,” said Wilson.

“I am beyond honoured and excited to join an organization that I have long admired and to work alongside this amazing team. Stepping into such an established, healthy, and relevant organization is a privilege, and I am grateful to the leadership of Scott and the Board of Directors for making Inside Out everything it is today. As we look to the future, I see endless potential for Inside Out and its role locally, nationally, and internationally.”

During the transition as Executive Director, Andria Wilson will join the Inside Out team at the upcoming Ottawa LGBT Film Festival (November 11 to 13) and at AWOL (Thursday, November 17), the second film in the newly expanded More Play Screening Series in Toronto.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment, and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors, and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats. Reach out - bryen@thebuzzmag.ca