Creative Scotland chief Andrew Dixon to step down

The announcement comes after a difficult few months for Creative Scotland, which has faced criticism over its administration of funds, highlighted by an open letter from a hundred leading artists (outlined here), who attacked the organisation over their financial management and apparent disregard for Scottish culture. There has also been a great deal of controversy over this month's forthcoming Creative Scotland Awards ceremony, which features an all-male judging panel. 

In a statement about his departure, Andrew Dixon said:

“It has been a privilege to have been involved in the early years of Creative Scotland and to have worked with such talented and dedicated staff, but I now feel the time is right for a change of direction for both myself and the organisation."

The Board will now begin the process of selecting a new Chief Executive, setting up interim arrangements until it is decided. Effective immediately, the Senior Management Team will report directly to the Chair of the Board, Sir Sandy Crombie. The organisation has also promised to evaluate and improve its policies.

Commenting on this period of change, Crombie added:

“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.”

Andrew Dixon will leave Creative Scotland at the end of January 2013 after completing a programme of handover. 

You can read the statement in full here.