A globally respected academic from University of the West of Scotland’s Paisley campus has been appointed a Trustee of the charity behind Scotland’s largest international culture summit.
Gayle McPherson, Professor of Events and Cultural Policy and Director of the Centre for Culture, Sport and Events, is one of five new Trustees at the Edinburgh International Culture Summit Foundation (EICSF).
Professor McPherson – who is also a member of the European Cultural Parliament – was appointed alongside former North East Fife MP Stephen Gethins; author and retired diplomat Dan Mulhall; Professor Mona Siddigui and Shonaig Macpherson CBE, who has taken over as Chair.
Andrew Wilson who has been filling the role of Interim Chair of the Summit Foundation said: “After ten years establishing the Summit and building its success and profile around the world, we need to consider how we maximise its impact for the next decade. The vision and brilliance of the late Sir Angus Grossart and Sir Jonathan Mills as founder chair and Director now must be built upon. There has never been a more important time for the Summit and the dialogue between nations on culture and its importance.
“I am delighted that five outstanding individuals will join our board bringing a wealth and breadth of ability and experience. And to attract a chair of the quality and standing of Shonaig Macpherson is fitting given the importance of the summit and our mission. She will lead the Board’s input in centring the creative vision for the Summit in discussion with our strategic partners.”
The Edinburgh International Culture Summit was established in 2012 through the Edinburgh International Festival, working alongside other core partners the British Council, the Scottish Parliament, and the Scottish and UK Governments. Taking place immediately following the London Olympic Games, the Summit is thought to have been the first of its kind.
Bringing together Culture Ministers, prominent artists, thinkers, and others responsible for formulating and implementing cultural policy, the initiative is a successful model for peer learning, the forging of connections, and a formal exploration of how the arts can enrich the lives of people around the world and contribute to the wellbeing of nations.
The Strategic Review in 2023 will assess the achievements and impact of the Summit in the ten years since its inception and propose a renewed vision, objectives, governance and operating model for this world class international gathering of cultural leaders and government ministers in Edinburgh.
Headline image: Gayle McPherson, Professor of Events and Cultural Policy and Director of the Centre for Culture, Sport and Events
Photo Credit: University of the West of Scotland