Creative Scotland unveils ‘action plan for change’

TROUBLED arts agency Creative Scotland has unveiled an “action plan for change” following months of turmoil at the quango - but has failed to meet a deadline for the appointment of a new figurehead.

The recruitment process for a replacement for Andrew Dixon, who was forced to quit in December after months of criticism of how the agency was being run, was supposed to begin at the end of February.

Creative Scotland’s board has delayed placing an advert while the quango has worked on a string of commitments to improve relationships with artists and organisations - one of the key criticisms of Mr Dixon’s regime.

A series of new pledges have been published by the body, including the creation of a new programme of bursaries and awards for artists, the hosting of an annual “state of the nation” conference for the industry and new arrangements for dealing with funding applications.

A new “strategic plan” for Creative Scotland is due to be published in May - shortly after interviews for the chief executive’s position were due to be held, although the timetable for the recruitment process has now slipped by several weeks.

Iain Munro, director of creative development, said: “We remain committed to real and tangible change, working with colleagues in Creative Scotland and the sector, to build trust and confidence in our work.”