After nearly six years at the helm, Imaginate’s Chief Executive Paul Fitzpatrick is to leave to take up the newly created post of Director of Creative Engagement at the National Theatre of Scotland.
In all endings there are new beginnings, and whilst it is an exciting appointment for the National Theatre of Scotland, the team at Imaginate announces the news with a heavy heart.
During his time at Imaginate, Paul has helped transform the organisation and increase its reputation nationally and internationally. He was instrumental in securing long term support from funders, including PLACE funding which has seen Imaginate partner with world-renowned theatre company Punchdrunk and develop deeper and more extensive links with schools in Edinburgh. He has continued to advocate for theatre and dance to be valued as an essential part of the education, development and wellbeing of all children and young people. Paul also initiated new partnerships that have contributed to the growth and widening reach of Imaginate and the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival.
Having started his career as an artist, he has consistently and passionately supported Imaginate’s Creative Development programme, supporting artists at various stages of their careers and advocating for the wider sector. His leadership within Scotland’s children’s theatre sector will be sorely missed.
In his new role, Paul will be responsible for planning, developing and implementing the National Theatre of Scotland’s Creative Engagement Strategy, leading a future-facing programme of co-created, community driven projects at a vital time and ensuring it serves and reflects contemporary Scotland in all its diversity. We wish him every success!
Chair of the Board of Directors Laura Turney said:
“The Imaginate Board would like to congratulate our CEO, Paul Fitzpatrick on his fantastic new role as the Director of Creative Engagement with the National Theatre of Scotland, starting in November.
Over the last 6 years, Paul and the Imaginate team, have achieved amazing and inspiring things for the charity, the sector and thousands of children and young people all across Scotland.
The Board are now working with the Imaginate team to find a new Chief Executive and aim to advertise this opportunity in September. We are looking forward to finding Imaginate’s next CEO to lead our talented and passionate staff in delivering an inspiring programme of innovative projects in the years ahead.”