Impact Arts

We are delighted to welcome Jim Sweeney to Impact Arts, as our new Chair. Jim takes over from Piper Group Chief Executive, Theresa Shearer.

Theresa is stepping down following a successful five
and a half years as a member of Impact Art’s board, half of which were served
as Chair.

During her
tenure, Theresa has helped Impact Arts to celebrate our 25^th
anniversary, culminating in the successful #MakingAMark campaign.

The
announcement comes at the end of an extensive recruitment process and, Jim Sweeney comes into the role with extensive experience in the
third sector and in supporting young people. He is the former head of youth
work agency, Youth Link Scotland, as well as current Vice-Chair of Young Scot, chair of Motherwell Football Club’s Community Trust and vice chair of Scotland’s Learning Partnership.

Theresa
Shearer said: “During my time as Chair, I have been humbled by the people I
have met and inspired by the hard work of all the staff and supporters. I have
been privileged to work with a dedicated Board helping the organisation grow
and expand its reach across Scotland.

“I wish Jim
every success in the role as Chair. He joins the organisation at a very
significant time, and I know that everyone will benefit from his wealth of
expertise.

“At the heart
of the charity are the people we exist to empower through the arts. Their voice
has been – and will continue to be – critical in guiding the charity’s success
as Impact Arts continues its work to transform children, young people and older
people’s lives through impactful arts and creativity, growing community
resilience through creative engagement and supporting older people to take part
in life-enriching projects. I know Jim will do a great job as chair and I wish him and everyone at Impact Arts every
success for the future.”

Jim Sweeney
said: “I am delighted to be taking up the position of Chair of the Board at Impact
Arts at what is a very exciting time for the organisation. Having consistently worked
with young people during my previous roles, I know the benefits that participating
in the arts can bring to individuals and communities. The work Impact Arts does
to support people, of all ages, to find that creative spark has helped it to earn
its prominence and I can’t wait to continue the great progress made by Theresa
and the whole team.”

Impact Arts
Director, Fiona Doring, said: “The board and entire staff team at Impact Arts
Board cannot stress enough how grateful we are to Theresa for the leadership,
passion and creativity she has brought during her time as Chair. Her impact
will be felt for years to come, as we celebrate our 25^th anniversary
and look forward to the future with Jim as our new Chair, continuing to support
people to get all the benefits that engaging with the arts can bring.”