It’s Findlay for CS
Richard Findlay to chair Creative Scotland
Richard Findlay has been announced as the new chair of Creative Scotland, the national agency for the arts, starting this month.
Findlay takes over from banker, Sandy Crombie, who was founding chair of of the organisation when it was set up in 2010.
Richard Findlay, new chair of Creative Scotland. Photo: Colin Hattersley
Richard Findlay has a strong track record of working in the arts. A graduate of the RSAMD, he began his working life in the theatre before moving into media where he became CEO of Scottish Radio Holdings plc.
He was chair at the Royal Lyceum Theatre for a six year period in the 1990s, and was founding chair of the National Theatre of Scotland until 2013. He was chair of the STV Group plc from 2007 to 2013.
Findlay, who lives in Edinburgh, was awarded a CBE for services to the Arts and Creative Industries in 2013. He is currently chair of two companies, a London-based educational app company and Edinburgh-based Innovate Financial Services Ltd.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop, announced the appointment after an extensive and thorough selection process. She said: “Richard’s experience in the sector, in the media, screen and theatre, are unparalleled and he has a real understanding of the issues facing our arts organisations today.”
coherent strategy
Richard Findlay expressed his own delight at the appointment, saying: “Having watched the achievements of the organisation since its inception, as well as the challenges it has faced, I feel I am joining at an exciting and pivotal time.
“Janet Archer and her team, supported by the Board, have put in place a coherent strategy and funding approach for the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland, underpinned by a clear set of ambitions and priorities.
“I very much look forward to working with the Board, everyone at Creative Scotland and the culture sector more broadly, to deliver this ambition over the coming years.”
Janet Archer, Chief Executive of Creative Scotland, said: “Richard Findlay is a very welcome appointment as our Chair and one which myself and my team are very pleased about. He brings with him deep and rich experience of the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland, as well as a lifelong involvement of culture in both a professional and personal capacity.
“Richard’s experience as the first Chair of the National Theatre of Scotland, his role on the Board at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and his screen and broadcast experience from his time with STV will all be invaluable to us as we work to deliver the ambition set out in our 10-year plan, Unlocking Potential, Embracing Ambition.”
stooshie
Richard Findlay’s appointment appears to finally draw a line under the stooshie which beset Creative Scotland when Crombie was the recipient of the letter from 100 artists in 2012. The letter launched a stinging attack on the “ongoing crisis” at CS, and ultimately led to the resignation of its then chief executive Andrew Dixon.
The chair of Creative Scotland is a part time appointment with a remuneration of £250 per day for a time commitment of four days per month. Findlay’s initial tenure will run for four years from January 2015 until December 2019.
ENDS
