Culture Counts appoints new Interim Director

Culture Counts - the leading network of arts, heritage and creative industries organisations in Scotland - is pleased to announce the appointment of new Interim Director, Kathryn Welch. Kathryn joins Culture Counts with a breadth of experience, having most recently held the position of Programme Lead for Creative Scotland's Culture Collective - nurturing a network of hundreds of participatory arts practitioners and organisations across Scotland. Kathryn was formerly Interim Director for Creative Lives, and Operations Director for Macrobert Arts Centre, amongst many other positions. 

Culture Counts strives to support a thriving cultural sector, promoting the public benefit of the arts, heritage and cultural industries; protecting the eco-system of these industries; and demystifying the operations of Government and Parliament. Kathryn has previously worked on projects by the Arts Councils of Scotland, England and Ireland and has extensive experience working in research and project management roles across the cultural sector. 

Fiona Sturgeon Shea, Chair of the Culture Counts Steering Group said: “Kathryn brings a wealth of experience, energy, determination, and insight to this role. These qualities will be crucial in building upon the achievements of the members and sector, led by previous directors, Lori Anderson and Jennifer Hunter. As everyone knows, this is a particularly challenging time for the culture sector, following a long recovery from COVID, the impact of the ongoing cost crisis and damaging world events. Kathryn's ideal mix of vision and pragmatism will be invaluable in navigating a complex path towards a more secure, fair and prosperous future. The Steering Group is delighted to begin work with her.” 

Kathryn Welch commented: “I’m delighted to be taking up the role of Interim Director of Culture Counts, with the opportunity to build on the work of Lori Anderson to advocate for Scotland’s arts, heritage and creative industries. This is a pivotal moment for our sector, and I’m looking forward to working closely with the Culture Counts membership and steering group to promote and protect the vital, life-enhancing work of our arts and heritage organisations, and of the wider ecosystem of creative practitioners, workforce and participants.” 

For more information, please contact Kathryn Welch at kathryn@culturecounts.scot.