Be United champions black people working in the performing arts, screen and events sectors in Scotland
A Scottish charity addressing the underrepresentation and misrepresentation of black people within the creative industries has announced the appointment of four new board members.
Be United, which also addresses the lack of black people holding senior positions or positions of authority within the creative sectors, delivers a series of programmes to support, develop and showcase black creative talent in Scotland.
It works with organisations across the country, including Edinburgh International Festival, Fruitmarket, STV Studios, Amazon Studios, Creative Scotland and The Royal Lyceum Theatre among others.
New trustees joining the Be United Board are Veronique AA Lapeyre, Olubukola Popoola, Ben Chinchen and Louis Parker-Evans.
Joining as Chair, Scottish-Mauritian Veronique AA Lapeyre is a new generation leader and who works across strategy, programming, commerce and communications.
Following her time as chair of Scottish Contemporary Art Network, 36 year Veronique is one of the youngest experienced board chairs working in Scotland today.
Olubukola Popoola is an environmental consultant with experience in environmental management, climate change and sustainability.
Ben Chinchen is a digital specialist in marketing and fundraising with experience in delivering successful campaigns in the charitable sector.
He has helped deliver the highest ever grossing fundraising appeals for a former charity employer and has worked to increase website income by a large UK charity by 54% year on year.
Louis Parker-Evans is a contemporary dance artist with experience of touring internationally with award winning dance companies. Alongside performing Louis is an experienced rehearsal director and producer.
Speaking on the announcement of the new trustees, Be United executive director Emma Sithole said: “The successful recruitment of four new trustees to join our board reflects a significant point within our organisation’s development and journey.
“The diversity of skills, experience and perspectives on our board enriches our organisation and ultimately our work. Our board continues to be reflective of the communities that we seek to serve, this remains of paramount importance to us.
“The development we as an organisation have undergone in the past 12 months, is a testament to the drive and ambition that we have to positively impact and influence the Scottish cultural sectors. We are in a very strong position, which will ensure we can continue to meet the challenges and opportunities that come with our work and continued growth.
“What this means going forward is that we will reach further across Scotland with our programmes, will launch new elements of our creative programme thus empowering us to reach and work with more black creatives.
“We will remain committed to our advocacy work and continue to strive for more equitable practices across the sector through our partnerships, collaborations and influence.”
