New executive director leads string of strategic appointments at Aberdeen Arts Centre

Holly Paterson joins the Aberdeen Arts Centre team as executive director, as charity Castlegate Arts Ltd looks to secure the future of the organisation through the Save Aberdeen Arts Centre campaign.

She is joined by seven new trustees who have been voted onto the charity’s board – the culmination of a strategic three-year drive to recruit board members with the skills to support its charitable aims.

The appointments follow the recent announcement of Call the Midwife star Laura Main as the Centre’s official patron, and the appointment earlier this year of Philip Napier as programmer and Cara Sutherland as office coordinator.

Holly has built her career leading people, improving services and bringing structure, energy and commercial focus to complex organisations, including eight years across two departments with Sky. Her background covers customer experience, operations, hospitality, sustainability and organisational change.

Sharon Robertson, chair of Castlegate Arts Ltd, added: “Holly joins Aberdeen Arts Centre at a crucial point in time, as we build a sustainable future for the creative hub that is much loved – and much needed – in the north east of Scotland.

“Her track record proves she is the perfect person to lead the Arts Centre into this next stage of its development, as we strengthen our operations and ensure we are providing for our local performing community to the best of our ability.

“From providing support for our grassroots local performing groups and emerging artists to welcoming professional touring groups from around the world to providing first-class creative learning opportunities, the future of Aberdeen Arts Centre is in safe hands.

“I would also like to thank Sharon Catchpole, who is stepping down after 15 months as interim executive director. Sharon supported the organisation through a challenging period of transition, and we are grateful for her contribution during this time.”

Holly’s appointment coincides with a significant intake of new trustees to the Castlegate Arts Ltd board.

Joining the board are:

• Emily Taylor, head of membership at Offshore Energy UK and accomplished violinist
• Dr William Barlow, University of Aberdeen theatre and education lecturer
• Stephanie Calder, CEO and software consultant (and former dancer on the Arts Centre stage)
• Amanda Robinson, acoustic consultant and CEO, who has worked internationally to develop new theatre spaces
• Steve Johnson, founder of Paratus Commercial Services and stand-up comedian
• Mark Priestley, project director specialising in theatre and heritage
• Eaon Pritchard, internationally-renowned marketing strategy leader.

Sharon commented: “We are thrilled to welcome such an experienced and enthusiastic cohort of new board members to the team. With diverse cultural and business experience, they each bring with them the skills we need to move the Arts Centre forward, all tied together with a passion for this amazing space where Aberdeen’s creative community is put in the spotlight – and the opportunities provided by our grassroots arts support, Creative Learning and Artist Development programmes, and touring productions.

“We also offer our thanks to Andrea Watt, Michael Silva and Calum Lawrie who have recently stepped down from the board. Their efforts have been hugely appreciated throughout their time as trustees.”