This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scottish Arts Council appointments
06/04/2004
Frank McAveety, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport today announced the appointment of one Member and the re-appointment of the Chair of the Scottish Arts Council.
The appointees are:
James Boyle - Chair: James Boyle is a freelance journalist, a director of media production company Wark Clements and a Civil Service Commissioner.
He graduated from Strathclyde University and has since held a series of high-profile posts at the BBC, culminating in four years as Controller of Radio Four from 1998-2002. He was previously BBC Chief Advisor, Editorial Policy, Head of Radio Scotland (1992-96) and Secretary and Head of Press, BBC Scotland (from 1989). Mr Boyle holds no other Ministerial appointments.
Arthur Cormack - Member: Arthur Cormack is Director of Fèisean nan Gàidheal, the umbrella organisation for 37 Gaelic arts tuition festivals for young people. Mr Cormack is also a member of the Board of Governors of Eden Court Theatre in Inverness and the Scottish Arts Council Youth Music Audit Steering Group. Mr Cormack is Chair of Aros Ltd which runs a theatre and cinema in Skye, and is director of a Gaelic music label called Macmeanmna.
Mr Cormack holds an appointment to Bord na Gaidhlig for which he receives £6,000 per annum in remuneration.
Mr Boyle and Mr Cormack will serve for three years until from April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2007.
Mr Cormack's appointment is part-time and is not remunerated. Council members are expected to attend 8 Council meetings a year and may be involved in additional events or committees. The Chair has a time commitment of 6 days per month and receives remuneration of £26,211.
The Scottish Arts Council is an executive Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) which was established by Royal Charter in 1994. The Council is appointed by, and accountable to, Scottish Ministers and consists of up to 16 Members including the Chair. It can be contacted online at www.scottisharts.org.uk.
The Members of the Scottish Arts Council have a duty to develop and improve the knowledge, understanding and practice of the arts in Scotland and to increase the accessibility of the arts to the public. The Scottish Arts Council will receive funding of £47 million from the Scottish Executive in 2004-05. The Scottish Arts Council is also a Lottery distributor [U1] These Ministerial public appointments were made in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees to declare their political activity. Mr Cormack has declared that he was a member of, and canvassed on behalf of, the Highlands & Islands Alliance. Mr Boyle declared no political activity.