The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) today announces the appointment of seven new Directors who have joined its Company Board.
The newly-appointed Directors of the not-for-profit organisation – which exists to represent and develop Scotland’s music industry – are Alan Clarke (The Business Growth Partnership), Caroline Parkinson (University of Edinburgh / CP Creative Project Management), Fiona Ellis (DF Concerts), James Bruce (City of Edinburgh Council), Katch Holmes (Knockengorroch / Off Site Productions), Nick Stewart (Sneaky Pete’s) and Sharon Mair (BBC and Executive Producer).
The new Directors join existing board members, including the SMIA’s Executive Chair Dougal Perman (Inner Ear), Alex Smith (XpoNorth), Blake Hutchinson (Scottish Enterprise), Gillian Henderson (Ticketmaster), Greg Kane (Blairhill Media / Hue & Cry) and Michael Lambert (A Modern Way / Wide Events).
Speaking of the new appointments, Dougal Perman, Executive Chair of the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), said: “We had some very strong applications and making the decision wasn’t easy. I’m excited about the comprehensive skillset, wealth of experience and improved diversity from our Company Board. I’m really looking forward to working with everyone to better represent and develop the Scottish music industry.”
Following years of successful pilot developmental projects, as well as attracting a growing base of active paying members and establishing the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award in 2012, it was announced in January 2018 that the SMIA was successful in joining Creative Scotland’s Regular Funding Network for 2018–2021. The Regular Funding Network is comprised of organisations that make a vital contribution to the current health and future development of the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland, and as part of the network, the SMIA is tasked with delivering a pioneering, innovation-led development programme, designed to help nurture business talent and build infrastructure in Scotland’s music industry.
With yearly activity which includes workshops, networking events, research projects, The SAY Award, resource development and a consultancy programme for Scotland-based music businesses, the SMIA delivers a wide range of services, projects and events for anyone working in – or wanting to work in – music in Scotland. Thanks to the funding support from Creative Scotland, the SMIA was able to launch a Basic Membership last year, which is free for all and provides access to activities delivered as part of the publicly funded programme. Since its introduction, over 2500 music practitioners from across Scotland have joined the association, bringing the industry closer together and stimulating increased opportunities for collaboration. The SMIA also offers Student Membership and Core Membership, which provides access to additional services and benefits to help music practitioners based in Scotland excel.
The now 11-strong Board of Directors will provide strategic direction for the company and support the work of the Executive Team. Earlier this year Tommy McCormick joined the SMIA in the new position of Development Manager, with Blue Kirkhope also having been promoted to Communications and Events Executive last month. Dougal Perman works part-time for the company as Executive Chair, with Robert Kilpatrick being the General Manager and overseeing company operations. The SMIA will also soon see the introduction of an Advisory Group – made up of members working across different sectors of the music industry – who will give perspectives from their experience and the organisations and the sectors in which they are active. These perspectives will help inform the SMIA’s strategy and ensure that all services, projects and events continue to be needs-led.
The SMIA aims to retain more musical intellectual property and conduct more business in the music supply chain in Scotland, including record labels, publishers, legal, finance, artist management, booking agencies and publicity. It aims to develop the wider music industry in Scotland by championing creativity, building infrastructure and evolving business models.
Interested in joining the SMIA? As well as free entry to SMIA workshops, our members are entitled to many more benefits geared to support, strengthen and develop Scotland’s music professionals and music industry.
Collaboration is a cornerstone of the SMIA’s ethos. We are inclusive, progressive and positive. Join and help the music industry in Scotland excel. You can join now via our website, or for more information, please email us at info@smia.org.uk