Art school canvasses for new director

THE director of the Glasgow School of Art has announced she is to retire next summer, triggering the search for a successor.

Professor Seona Reid, is to step down after 14 years in charge of one of Europe’s finest art schools, and at a time when the city’s position in the art world has never been stronger.

Announcing the news Philip Rodney, chairmen of the governors of the GSA, said: “Seona has made an immeasurable contribution as director of the GSA and her outstanding leadership of the school, reflected in the current standing of the GSA is testimony to that.”

Prof Reid was appointed as director of the Glasgow School of Art in September 1999 and under her leadership the GSA has reinforced its reputation as one of Europe’s leading university-level institutions for the visual creative disciplines with demand for places continuing to grow. With only 1,900 
students, it is one of only a handful of small specialist institutions in the UK. The next director is expected to be appointed by March next year.

Prof Reid has overseen an 
£8.7 million project to conserve the A-listed Mackintosh building as well as the construction of a new £50m academic building.

She said: “Walking into my office in the Mackintosh Building always reminds me what a joy it is to lead the Glasgow School of Art surrounded by incredibly creative, motivated and engaged staff and students.”