New art institute role for bid boss Jean Cameron takes on post of president
One of Paisley’s oldest bodies has a new president – and many people in and around town will recognise her.
Jean Cameron, former director of the Paisley 2021 City of Culture bid, will be only the fourth woman to take on the role at Paisley Art Institute since it was founded in 1876.
She takes over from president David Sutton, who has now completed a three-year tenure.
A new committee has also been elected, and this includes the appointment of two visual artists – Caroline Gormley and Alastair Strachan – as vice presidents.
Jean said: “Paisley Art Institute was established in 1876 for the purpose of the ‘encouragement and promotion of art’. As 2018 draws to a close, we enter an unprecedented period of transition due to the closure of Paisley Museum until 2022.
“This ambitious reimagining of the home of Paisley Art Institute’s annual exhibition offers us a timely opportunity to consider our own focus and to reflect on the role that PAI – established back in the 1800s – can play in the 21st century.
“I look forward to working with the PAI membership and our partners to ensure that Paisley Art Institute is as prepared, relevant and ambitious as possible to play a vital role in the Paisley Museum Re-Imagined project and the continued cultural regeneration of Paisley.
“I am honoured to succeed David Sutton. I would like to formally thank David, PAI secretary Lesley Hinde and the outgoing committee for the valuable work they have carried out over the last three years.”
Paisley- born Jean is an independent creative producer and cultural consultant who has had a 30-year career in the arts.
She produced the Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art, and worked at venues including Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and Gallery of Modern Art with Turner Prize-winning artists.
She was also involved in Glasgow’s 2014 Commonwealth Games Cultural Programme and produced Scotland’s national presentation at the Venice Biennale in 2005.
Jean is currently undertaking an independent evaluation of CAPSID – a major touring contemporary art exhibition exploring the representation of viruses such as HIV. It is the result of collaboration between visual artist John Walter and molecular virologists at University College London.
She joined the board of directors at National Theatre of Scotland in September 2018.
PAI is one of the leading bodies of its type in the UK. It has Current membership of about 380 and hosts a prestigious annual exhibition.
David said: “It’s been a privilege and a pleasure to serve as President of the Paisley Art Institute for the last three years and the previous years on the Committee of Management.
“It is a great pleasure to hand over a Paisley Art Institute in financial health and with a continuing robust reputation to the new President Jean Cameron.
“Her record in serving and representing Paisley is there to be seen and the institute is honoured to have Jean’s commitment in taking on this role.
“I’m sure that she will bring new energy and ideas to the Committee of Management during the Museum refurbishment interim. I wish her well in her new role in Paisley.”