NEW CULTURE BOSS LEONIE AIMS TO BRING TOWN OUT OF THE SHADOWS

ALISON RENNIE

Renfrewshire Council’s new culture chief has vowed to build on the exciting steps made in developing Paisley as a hub for the arts.

The town, known for its steep tradition and history, has embarked on a journey of regeneration in the last year.

And while Paisley ultimately lost out in an ambitious bid to be the UK’s City of Culture in 2021, one woman is determined for the town’s adventure to continue.

Leonie Bell has been tasked with taking the town’s burgeoning cultural reputation forward.

The 43-year-old has been appointed as the strategic lead for cultural regeneration at Renfrewshire Council.

This essentially means she’s got the job of using culture to bring about the regeneration of Paisley and build on the work started by the Paisley 2021 bid process.

She comes with an impressive CV having worked for national organisations and campaigns including Glasgow 1999 UK City of Architecture and Design.

She was also the programme director at the Lighthouse in charge of exhibitions, festivals and events before being part of the cultural programme for London 2012 and Glasgow 2014.

She became boss of Creative Scotland and was seconded to the Scottish Government to be head of cultural strategy.

It was while she was in this role that Leonie saw the work being done in Paisley and when she got the chance to work here, she jumped at it.

Leonie said: “Everywhere across Scotland and the world has been really struck by the energy, commitment, creativity and positivity of Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture.

“I thought Paisley is a really exciting place to be.

“It’s full of so much exciting stuff and there are already big ideas. This one council and this one town is taking it on and I’m really excited about it. Paisley has been in the shadows.

“It has an incredible heritage in the town, both social and political .”

She added: “Even without winning the bid, the process put Paisley back on the map.

“The residents of Paisley could feel their town really matters, their culture really matters.

“It’s a great place to live, work and visit.”

Renfrewshire Council’s £100 million investment in the town’s cultural infrastructure includes investment to redevelop Paisley Museum, Paisley Arts Centre and the launch of the library in the High Street.

It has already started with the museum now closed and the closure of the town hall coming at the end of the year.

Leonie said she’s excited by the focus on Paisley’s heritage and culture to bring about regeneration.

“Everywhere is experiencing real fiscal and budget challenges so it’s brave to work in different ways,” she said.

“Culture is a way of unlocking some of that potential.

“We’re starting to imagine that Paisley will look and feel very different in five years, 10 years. “Culture is an employer. “Culture tourism is one of the UK’s biggest growth industries.”

Leonie added: “Culture happens every day in homes and families and community groups.

“Paisley is so rich in community culture, there are so many groups out there whether it’s sewing or singing or painting.

“They’re just as important as a new museum.

“If you imagine a town like Paisley. Without culture, it’s not Paisley.”

Leonie started her job at the beginning of October and wants to take forward the projects which are already in place as well as bring in her own ideas.

She said: “Into next year I’ll be going out and about across neighbourhoods and communities much more.

“I’ll be talking to people experiencing all forms of culture which are taking place in Paisley.

“There is a challenge when there isn’t a campaign like Paisley 2021 to centre it on and we’re thinking really hard about that.

“The key is discussing the work with partners, residents and communities.”

She added: “I am ambitious for Paisley, I do hope people see changes every day. Things like Paisley’s events programme, WinterFest, and the Halloween festival will bring people to the town.

“Every day I walk up the High Street and see something different.

“It’s small things but it’s making a big difference.

“Paisley High Street encourages so much debate.

“People want it to work, they want it to be a place they can be proud of.

“The challenge for me is how I share that vision and make it belong to everyone.”