CREATIVE Edinburgh has announced the appointment of Jim Hollington as the new Chair of its Board.
He takes over on April 1st 2020 from current Chair Mark Gorman who is to step down from the post after eight years. Jim Hollington brings two decades experience of using the power of the arts to build understanding between people globally, achieved through developing effective collaboration between cultural organisations, government, business and civil society.
Jim has recently started his own arts and culture consultancy after two years as Head of External Affairs at the Edinburgh International Festival and his previous Directorial roles at the British Council. He has been responsible for developing and delivering strategy, leading teams of specialists across the world, and building new partnerships that have brought in millions of pounds of new government funding to arts and cultural organisations.
Upon his appointment as chair, Jim Hollington said: “Creative Edinburgh is one of the reasons the city is a great place to work in the creative industries. It helps people to meet and collaborate, supports their professional development and acts as a voice for our sector with Government and others. It certainly helped me to make connections when I arrived in Edinburgh.
“After two years as a board member, I’m excited to have the chance to support Briana and the team as the new Chair. I hope I’ll be able to bring my international experience in Europe and Asia, and two years working closely with the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland at the Edinburgh International Festival, to support the organisation’s future development.”
Current Chair Mark Gorman, who will step down from the role in spring, said: “I am delighted to welcome Jim Hollington to the position of Chair of Creative Edinburgh. Jim has been an enthusiastic advocate of the organisation since joining the board two years ago, his experience amongst cultural organisations, and especially the British Council for whom he worked for 18 years, brings a completely new perspective to the role.
“For my part, I’ve been in this post for the last eight years but feel it’s time for a new outlook. I have been blessed to work with five incredible women in the roles of Executive Director. I have learned much from them and count myself lucky to have been able to spend quality time with them all. It’s going to be a wrench to step aside but I believe the organisation is in good shape, with a blossoming team and a distinctive vision. Briana Pegado is a force of nature that will continue to grow the legacy of her predecessors’ work.
“My proudest achievement, apart from overseeing the sustainability of Creative Edinburgh and the growth of its influence, has been the success of our Awards. They have grown in stature year on year and attract ever more prestigious entries, showcasing some of the talent of Edinburgh’s Creative Industries that wasn’t previously afforded such a platform.
“I’d like to thank our funders, especially Creative Scotland, without whom we would simply be a notion. Lastly, I’d like to thank the current Board and all of our previous Directors, as well as our steering group members, led currently by Jessica Armstrong; all have given freely and enthusiastically of their time. But two people have been conspicuously important in the development of Creative Edinburgh and I’d like to thank them especially; Janine Mathieson and Jim Galloway. You both made differences that cannot be overlooked.”
Regarding Jim’s appointment as Chair, Director of Creative Edinburgh Briana Pegado said: ‘We are looking forward to Jim taking on the role as chair of Creative Edinburgh. His vast experience in festivals and in the arts sector over decades will bring a perspective to the role that Creative Edinburgh will greatly benefit from. Jim’s experience in the third sector and his international experience in various roles will help us deepen our relationships within the sector to better support our community while also allowing us to look to partnerships with fellow creative people internationally.
Jim’s long track record of advocacy and representation will allow us to better represent the needs of the creative industries on a local, national and international level in the years to come. We are truly pleased he will be helping us steer the direction of the organisation moving forward.
