Creative Programmer appointed to ensure Olympic legacy for Scotland
22/08/2008
The Scottish Arts Council has announced the appointment of Leonie Bell as Creative Programmer for Scotland for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Leonie will curate a programme of high quality, accessible and innovative activity as part of Scotland’s contribution to the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad programme.
Leonie is currently Programme Director at The Lighthouse, Scotland's Centre for Architecture, Design and the City where she is responsible for delivering a programme of exhibitions, events and festivals promoting architecture and design. Before joining the Lighthouse Leonie was part of the Glasgow 1999: UK City of Architecture and Design Exhibitions Team. She will take up the post of Creative Programmer in September.
The Creative Programmer will act as a catalyst for Scotland’s contribution to the Cultural Olympiad and will work with a range of key partners, organisations and individuals to identify and develop events, projects and activities to form a national programme of events which will deliver a lasting legacy for Scotland.
Leonie will help raise awareness of the Cultural Olympiad and promote opportunities for Scottish artists and arts organisations to participate, to ensure that Scotland’s artistic and creative community have their role in the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad recognised.
A further part of the Creative Programmer role will be to work closely with Culture and Sport Glasgow and the Scottish Government to identify opportunities to build on the London 2012 programmes, as part of the development and promotion of the cultural programme for Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. The Scottish Government started this process recently, hosting a series of presentations on the development of a Commonwealth Games legacy at venues around Scotland in May and June, to provide the public with the opportunity to feed into the process.
Commenting on her appointment Leonie Bell said: ‘I am delighted to be working on Scotland’s programme for the Cultural Olympiad. It is a wonderful opportunity that will enable Scotland’s diverse and dynamic artistic and creative communities to make a confident contribution to this unique and global event. With the Cultural Olympiad and Glasgow 2014 on the horizon Scotland has never been in a stronger position to ensure that its cultural landscape is recognised as one of the most imaginative and captivating in the world. ‘
Jim Tough, Acting Chief Executive of the Scottish Arts Council said: ‘We are delighted that Leonie has been appointed as Creative Programmer for Scotland. Her experience will be invaluable in ensuring that Scotland’s creative community will have an active role in the celebrations of the Games in 2012, leaving a lasting legacy for the people of Scotland to enjoy.’
Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture, Linda Fabiani MSP, said: “The Cultural Olympiad represents an exciting opportunity for Scotland to demonstrate the breadth, vitality and sheer excellence of Scottish culture.
”I welcome Leonie Bell’s appointment as Creative Programmer for Scotland. This will help develop further our capacity to deliver a world-class cultural programme for Glasgow's Commonwealth Games in 2014.”
Notes to editors
- The Scottish Arts Council is a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) which was established by Royal Charter in 1994 and is also a Lottery distributor. The organisation serves the people of Scotland by fostering arts of excellence through investment, development, research and advocacy. Our corporate aims are: to support artists to fulfil their creative and business potential; to increase participation in the arts; and to place the arts, culture and creativity at the heart of learning. We invest £60m each year, including £15 million of National Lottery funding. For more information visit: www.scottisharts.org.uk
- London 2012’s Cultural Olympiad is a four year UK-wide programme of culture which will welcome the world and inspire young people. For more information on the Cultural Olympiad please go to www.london2012.com/culture
- As part of the Cultural Olympiad, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games (LOCOG),recently launched the Inspire mark. The London 2012 Inspire mark, which sits within the LOCOG brand family, is a badge of recognition which will be awarded to innovative non-commercial projects and events by the Games across sport, culture, education, environment, volunteering and business opportunities. These projects and events will form a key part of the Games’ lasting legacy, touching the lives of the whole nation. Leonie will be the main point of contact for Scottish cultural organisations who wish to be involved. More information about the Inspire mark can be found at:www.london2012.com/beinspired
- The Creative Programmer initiative runs alongside the work of the Legacy Trust which the Scottish Arts Council is partnering. More info can be found at; http://www.scottisharts.org.uk/1/funding/legacytrustfaqs.aspx
Contact email(s)
media.office@scottisharts.org.uk
Issued by: Scottish Arts Council
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