Culture Counts appoints new leadership team

Culture Counts, Scotland’s national network of arts, heritage and creative industries organisations, has made two appointments to it leadership team.

Starting in June, KATHRYN WELCH, currently interim director, will take up the position of director – networks, projects and partnerships.

Joining her in a co-leadership role will be JOSEPH PEACH, who becomes director – policy and public affairs.

Before joining Culture Counts as interim director in autumn 2024, Welch was programme lead for Creative Scotland’s Culture Collective, a network of participatory arts practitioners and organisations. Other previous roles include interim director for Creative Lives and operations director for Macrobert Arts Centre.

Welch has also had freelance roles with Arts Council England, the British Council, the Arts and Humanities Research Council, and Create Ireland.

Peach is re-joining Culture Counts from NorthWest 2045, where he has been undertaking a Scottish government-funded research project. He has previously held a number of positions at Culture Counts, including as its advocacy manager.

Peach has also worked for abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Scottish Parliament, while also having a career as a traditional music performer and composer.

ALEX MCGOWAN, chair of Culture Counts steering group, said Welch and Peach “each bring a wealth of expertise in partnership development, network building, public affairs, and advocacy”.

He added: “Having both worked closely with Culture Counts in recent years, they are deeply familiar with our members’ network and the vital role we play in promoting the value and impact of Scotland’s cultural sector.”