Issued on behalf of the joint board of the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen. Attribute to spokesperson.

‘With the agreement of the board Graham Berry will leave the Scottish Arts Council on the 28th February 2007. Graham’s contribution to the arts in Scotland and specifically to the Scottish Arts Council both as Finance Director and CEO cannot be underestimated.

‘He has championed, supported and promoted the work of all artists and art forms and strived for high quality arts to be widely accessible as the norm in Scotland. Major achievements during his term of office as CEO include the establishment of the National Theatre of Scotland, The Dewar Arts Trust, Own Art scheme and a series of successful international events including Scotland at the Smithsonian and Scottish exhibitions at the prestigious Venice Biennale.

‘Graham will be available to give advice to his successor and will ensure a smooth handover of responsibility. The new joint board wish to thank him for his long and outstanding service and wish him well as he takes up new and exciting opportunities and challenges in Singapore.

‘With effect from 1st March, the Board has invited Jim Tough to assume the role of Acting Chief Executive Officer for the Scottish Arts Council. During the coming months, Jim will support the Board in progressing its plan for change as the organisation prepares for the development of Creative Scotland. The Board will continue to work on its long-term plans for establishing Creative Scotland and will describe its progress from time to time during the coming months.

‘Jim Tough joined the Scottish Arts Council in 1998 as Head of Combined Arts and was appointed Director of Arts in 2004. Jim’s career began with a community education role in West Lothian and before joining the Scottish Arts Council he was Director of Wester Hailes Arts for Leisure and Education (WHALE). Jim is a passionate supporter of the arts in all their guises and he is currently studying creative writing as part of a literature degree.’


Please note that the Chairman, Richard Holloway, has nothing further to add to this statement and will therefore not be available for media interviews. Jim Tough is also unavailable.