05/12/2012 - Decision follows months of criticism

Andrew Dixon has stood down as Chief Executive of Creative Scotland. This follows months of criticism from a virtual who’s who of Scottish arts that have questioned the body’s policies culminating in a letter submitted in October to the organisation signed by a 100 Scottish artistes.

Sir Sandy Crombie, Chair of Creative Scotland, who was the recipient of the letter, said, “As a new organisation with an extensive remit, there have been inevitable challenges during this period and Andrew has consistently led the organisation with energy, passion and enthusiasm. He has also taken every opportunity to be a vociferous champion and advocate for Scottish arts and culture.”

Dixon said, “I have been disappointed, given my track record, not to gain the respect and support of some of the more established voices in Scottish culture and I hope that my resignation will clear the way for a new phase of collaboration between artists and Creative Scotland.”

The Board will now begin the process of finding a new Chief Executive and setting up interim arrangements. In the immediate future, the Senior Management Team will report directly to Sir Sandy Crombie as Chair of the Board.

Andrew Dixon will leave Creative Scotland at the end of January 2013 after completing a programme of handover and transition support to the Chair and the Board.