A headshot of Emma Nicolson - a white woman with long auburn hair
Changing Faces

Creative Scotland appoints new Head of Visual Arts

Arts Professional
2 min read

EMMA NICOLSON is to take up the role of Head of Visual Arts at Creative Scotland.

Nicolson will join the funding body in May, following the early retirement of her predecessor, AMANDA CATTO, in December 2023.

Currently Head of Arts at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, Nicolson was previously Founding Director at ATLAS Arts on the Isle of Skye, Senior Education and Access Manager at Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney and Head of Education at National Galleries of Scotland.

Welcoming the appointment, Executive Director of Arts, Communities and Inclusion at Creative Scotland, DANA MACLEOD, said: “Emma will bring a wealth of experience to the role at a crucial time for the sector. She has led meaningful work internationally, in rural contexts, within institutions and in communities.

Emma is embedded in collaborative practice and deeply understands the needs of artists. I look forward to welcoming her and shaping the future of our support and development for the visual arts in Scotland.”

On taking up the role, Nicolson added: “It is a privilege to build on Amanda Catto’s legacy to work with artists and arts organisations across Scotland’s vibrant visual arts sector.

“Now, more than ever, we recognise the transformative power of creativity to bridge divides and cultivate shared understanding, and I’m committed to fostering an environment where artistic expression flourishes.”