Aberdeen Performing Arts today announced that Andy Eagle will succeed Jane Spiers as chief executive of the award-winning arts organisation.
Andy is currently chief executive officer at Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff, and has more than 20 years’ experience working in professional and community arts in Wales.
Andy Eagle said: “I feel enormously privileged to have been appointed to join the Aberdeen Performing Arts team. I pay tribute to Jane Spiers, the leadership team and Board for successfully steering the organization through the pandemic and I am confident we can move forward together with great optimism. I am so impressed by the dynamic programme of events, festivals, venues and engagement across the city. I look forward to meeting all of the Aberdeen Performing Arts team, city officials, stakeholders and audiences who are all invested in the continued success of Aberdeen Performing Arts, the city and region.”
Craig Pike, Chair of the Board of Aberdeen Performing Arts said: “We are thrilled to appoint Andy as our new chief executive, and we are confident that his vision and extensive experience in the arts sector will allow us to continue to grow from the strong foundations that Jane Spiers has built during her time leading the team. All of us at Aberdeen Performing Arts look forward to extending a warm welcome to Andy.”
Chief executive, Jane Spiers said: “It has been a joy and a privilege to lead Aberdeen Performing Arts, and I am so proud of the whole team and everything we have achieved together. “My warmest congratulations to Andy, who I have no doubt will lead this wonderful organisation brilliantly towards delivering our shared ambitions for the arts in Aberdeen and the North-east of Scotland. I look forward to seeing all that the future brings for Andy and the team.”
Kami Lamakan, chair of Chapter said: “This is an extremely exciting opportunity for Andy, and we wish him every success. For close to eleven years Andy has led Chapter through considerable transformation and sustained its many areas of artistic and community activity. His effective leadership of the team and organisation was never more felt than during the last two years of the pandemic. He leaves Chapter behind with an optimistic future and renewed purpose for which we are hugely thankful to Andy for.”
Aberdeen City Council’s Culture spokesperson, Councillor Marie Boulton, said: “I am delighted to welcome Andy Eagle to Aberdeen Performing Arts and the wider Aberdeen culture family. Jane Spiers has demonstrated inspirational leadership of Aberdeen Performing Arts, never more so than over the last two years where her sheer determination and dedication to safeguard jobs and navigate the team through the storm of Covid has seen the Music Hall, Lemon Tree and HMT re open with exciting programmes to eager audiences. Jane has also had a strong influence in shaping Aberdeen’s wider cultural development. Andy has arrived in Aberdeen at an exciting time for the City and for Aberdeen Performing Arts as we continue to invest in the cultural life of the city.”
Jane Spiers announced in October 2021 that she would step down from the role, which she has held for 10 years. Jane will leave in June 2022 and Andy will take up post in August.