Archer quits role at Creative Scotland after troubled time

Damning report leads to resignation after criticism over funding decisions

The head of Creative Scotland has stepped down following heavy criticism over funding decisions at the arts body.

Chief executive Janet Archer has left her post after five years at the top of the organisation.

The announcement follows a damning parliamentary report into the way funding decisions were taken at Creative Scotland.

Holyrood’s culture committee found decision-making fell well below the standard expected of a public body, and concluded the arts funding organisation had been “badly damaged” as a result of its approach.

When Ms Archer took over in July 2013, she attracted criticism as she did not know the Byre Theatre in St Andrews had closed earlier the same year, after Creative Scotland slashed its grant. She said she “planned to visit” the theatre, which had closed in January.

The inquiry was held after widespread criticism of Creative Scotland’s decision to axe funding to some companies earlier this year.

MSPs urged the body to urgently address its strategic failings.

Among them was Claire Baker, Scottish Labour’s shadow cabinet secretary for culture, tourism and external affairs. She said: “Following the controversy around funding and a disappointing appearance in front of the culture committee, it was clear that changes had to be made at Creative Scotland.

“The culture secretary must now use the opportunity that Janet Archer’s resignation provides to carry out a root and branch review of the organisation to ensure that it can regain the confidence of the industry.”

Creative Scotland said Ms Archer left at the end of June and would receive payment in lieu of her six-month contractual notice period.

In a statement she said: “It has been an honour to work closely with, and to serve, Scotland’s artists and creative communities and to help thousands of people produce and share work.

“Over the past five years we have supported artistic excellence and equalities, diversity and inclusion.

“I’m pleased that in a difficult public financial context, Creative Scotland managed to work closely with the Scottish Government to secure an additional £19.8 million funding for 2018-21 for regularly funded organisations to replace the unexpected steep downturn in National Lottery Funding, as well as an additional £10m annual support for screen.

Creative Scotland said deputy chief executive Iain Munro would take over as acting chief executive.

Chief executive Janet Archer has left her post after five years.