Creative Scotland reveals director of creative developement Venu Dhupa is to step down
Creative Scotland has issued a statement confirming that Venu Dhupa will be standing down from his post of director of creative development.
Sandy Crombie, chair of Creative Scotland said in the statement: “I would like to thank Venu for her contribution to Creative Scotland. Venu has worked hard on behalf of the organisation and this is very much appreciated.
“Her work in the area of international engagement has moved us on significantly, with many new partnerships established for the benefit of Scotland. On behalf of the Board, I wish her all the very best for the future.”
Following a handover period Dhupa will leave Creative Scotland at the end of February 2013.
Dhupa’s departure follows the news that Andrew Dixon is to leave his role as chief executive of the arts funding body at the end of January, citing a “change of direction” was needed for both him and the body.
In October, 100 leading artists started a row with the management and running of the organisation in an open letter condemning Creative Scotland’s decision-making claiming it was an “ongoing crisis”.
Speaking of her departure in the statement Dhupa added: “I have really enjoyed my time at Creative Scotland. We have facilitated some amazing art and creative work in the last two and a half years, not least made the biggest residency programme in Europe with several international partners. It's the talent that makes all this possible that should be the focus going forward.
“Seeing social and cultural diversity as an opportunity and having the courage to look outwards will be an important element for Scotland's success. I have travelled the length and breadth of the country and met some wonderful people who are the creative heart-beat of Scotland and I look forward to celebrating their achievements in future albeit from a different perspective.”