Welcoming a new Chair to the CCA Board

Jean is an internationally respected freelance cultural leader, producer and facilitator based in Glasgow. She has enjoyed a thirty-year professional relationship with CCA. Having worked as a Dance and Performance Programmer at CCA, she was also based in the building during her role as a producer of Glasgow International, and most recently produced a series of events at CCA for the Feminist Exchange Network during COP26. Jean has worked with organisations such as Edinburgh International Cultural Summit and serves on the board of National Theatre of Scotland.

Jean comments: “This is a pivotal moment for this locally-loved, nationally-valued and internationally-influential organisation. It’s a time to lean into the distinct ethos and energy that has made CCA a brilliant place for 30 years now – that of radical, risk-taking and relevant cultural practice. It is also a time for CCA to make a deliberate move to refresh our purpose in creative place-making in the heart of Glasgow, to commit to our organisation’s open-access approach, and to find new opportunities that meaningfully represent and engage with the city, our communities, and with the cultural practitioners with whom it is our privilege to work.

I would like to thank Dr Ima Jackson for her work as on the Board for six years, and as Chair for the last four – a particularly challenging period, not least due to the impact on CCA of the two fires at Glasgow School of Art and the pandemic. During this time of converging crises, Ima has supported the organisation to adapt with intention, underpinned by principles of respect and care. Her leadership has set CCA on a course of structural transformation and I look forward to working with the Board and staff to nurture the shifts that she has initiated.

As a young arts professional 30 years ago, working front-of-house on the opening performance of CCA, I could never have dreamed that I would now be joining the organisation as the new Chair. I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to work with the CCA Board and staff to ensure CCA continues to play its unique and dynamic role in Scotland’s cultural ecology.”

Ima Jackson and Maggie Maxwell (Vice Chair) have stepped down from their roles as their six years of service comes to an end. Ima will continue to serve as a board member for the next few months assisting with the transition of the chairs role and Maggie had her last official meeting in November. We are hugely grateful to both of them for their wisdom, support and leadership during uncertain and turbulent times.

Andrew Bell will also be stepping up from Board Member to Vice-Chair. Andrew works within financial control and management accounting, and brings his experience of financial strategy and governance to his role. Andrew has a keen interest in contemporary art, music, film and making the arts accessible for all.

CCA looks forward to working with Jean, and is sure to benefit from her experience in the cultural sector, her knowledge of the organisation and her enthusiasm for continuing and enriching the work that CCA does.

You can view all members of CCA's Board here.