The Stage

Bonnar to develop Scottish Arts Council’s replacement

Published Thursday 25 October 2007 at 11:15 by Matt Trueman

Anne Bonnar, a former general manager of Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre, will oversee the creation of the organisation that is to replace the Scottish Arts Council.

Following her appointment as transition director of Creative Scotland, Bonnar will set out the body’s aims and methods over the next nine months. Following that period, there is the possibility of a three-month extension, after which a permanent director will be appointed.

Creative Scotland will take on the responsibilities of the SAC and Scottish Screen, both of which are to be disbanded. It will manage funding for all performing arts organisations in Scotland other than the National Theatre of Scotland, Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, which will come under direct control of the Scottish Executive.

Bonnar said: “The formation of Creative Scotland offers a great opportunity for Scotland to take the lead in forming a new type of cultural development agency, one which will make a positive difference to our creative community and to life in Scotland.”

During her 30 years in the cultural sector, Bonnar has held posts at the Young Vic and the Glasgow Citizens’ Theatre in addition to chairing the Federation of Scottish Theatre. Most recently she co-founded international arts management consultancy firm Bonnar Keenlyside. Her appointment was made by the joint board of the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen.

Chair of the joint board Richard Holloway commented: “Her wealth of experience will add value to the board’s thinking, while her skills and expertise will bring both increased capacity and capability to the senior executive teams at both the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen.”