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Sheena Wellington appointed to Culture Commission
10/08/2004
The Scots traditional singer whose rendition of 'A Man's
a Man for a' That' was the highlight of the opening of the
first Scottish Parliament is the newest member of the
Commission which will examine and report on the development
of cultural provision in Scotland.
Culture Minister Frank McAveety said:
"I am delighted that Sheena Wellington has agreed to
serve on the Commission. She brings a wealth of knowledge
and enthusiasm to the task."
Sheena Wellington is a distinguished Scots
traditional singer, broadcaster and teacher. She has toured
widely and her recordings have gained international
acclaim. A committed arts activist, Dr Wellington was a
member of the Scottish Arts Council Music Committee from
1992 -1997, served on SAC's Arts Education Forum and held
senior posts in the Traditional Music & Song
Association of Scotland. From 1997 - 2002 she was
Traditional Arts Development Officer for Fife Council. She
currently chairs Arts & Communities Association
Scotland, is a Trustee of The Arts Trust of Scotland,
serves on the Board of the Scottish Traditions of Dance
Trust and is a member of the Traditional Music Tutor
Training Network Steering Group. She is an honorary life
member of the Traditional Music and Song Association of
Scotland and an Honorary Doctor of Music, St Andrews
University. She has also recently accepted an invitation to
become the first patron of Voluntary Arts Scotland.
This
appointment will start immediately and will run until 31
May 2005.
The post is not remunerated.
The establishment of the Cultural Commission was
announced in Parliament by Frank McAveety, Minister for
Tourism, Culture and Sport, on 22 April. The Commission has
been tasked with making recommendations on the development
of arts and culture, aiming to promote much wider access,
excellence and building on the nation's reputation for
creativity. It will work in full consultation and
partnership with the people of Scotland.
Existing members of the Commission include George Black,
Chief Executive of Glasgow City Council; Gordon Jeyes,
Director of Children's Services, Stirling Council; Brian
Lang, Principal, University of St Andrew's; Shonaig
Macpherson, Senior Partner McGrigors; Colin Marr, Eden
Court Theatre; Lucy Mason, Chief Executive of Dance Base;
and businessman Ian Ritchie.
In addition to the Commission members, a range of other
people from various sections of the cultural community will
be brought together in small working groups to consider
specific issues. CoSLA will put in place arrangements to
feed in views from the local government sector.
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' political activity
(if there is any to be declared) to be made public.
Sheena Wellington has declared political activities
during the past five years: distributing election leaflets
for the Scottish National Party at the Scottish
Parliamentary Election in 2003, and participating in the
soundtrack of the Labour Party's European Election
Broadcast in 2004.