Edinburgh culture director steps down amid museum row

JOAN PARR will depart her post as director for culture and wellbeing at Edinburgh City Council (ECC) in January after three years of service.

Parr joined the council from Creative Scotland, where she was interim director of arts and engagement and previously head of creative learning and young people.

During her tenure at ECC, she led on the city’s 2030 culture strategy, which launched last year.

Her departure comes amid criticism of the council for the impromptu closure of The People’s Story – a museum dedicated to the history of working-class people in Edinburgh – in an ongoing row that provoked condemnation from Culture Secretary ANGUS ROBERTSON in the Scottish Parliament.

Council leader CAMMY DAY said: “Joan has been invaluable as director of culture and wellbeing, demonstrating exceptional leadership throughout her tenure.

“Joan brought a wealth of experience from various sectors with her, and played a crucial role in revitalising our cultural venues and communities in the wake of the pandemic, as well as leading on our year-round festivals.

“I’d like to thank Joan for her ongoing commitment to our city and the positive impact she has had.”

Parr will reportedly leave her post on 3 January, just weeks before arts organisations across Edinburgh will find out the results of Creative Scotland’s Multi-Year Funding awards, which were delayed over budget uncertainties.

The Scotsman reports that Parr told colleagues, “Whilst I am delighted at the prospect of having more time to pursue other interests and perhaps even try to locate some long dormant creative muscles, it is hard to be saying au revoir to so many valued colleagues and friends with whom I have shared a multitude of arts and culture-related collaborative missions over the years.

“I want to sincerely thank you for your support, comradeship, passion, infectious creativity, joint therapy and visioning sessions.”