Shed took the charity from a pilot project to its current success

Long-serving charity chief executive, Rhona Matheson, has announced her decision to step down after almost 20 years of leadership.

It marks the end of an era for Starcatchers - the arts and early years organisation, which has grown under Matheson’s guidance from a pilot project in 2006.

Starcatchers has garnered international acclaim over the last 20 years for its integral role in producing exceptional, innovative arts and creative experiences for Scotland’s youngest children, and their parents and carers.

This significant transition comes as the company launches its national tour of Float, a performance for babies, and their grown-ups, in Scotland, created by Kerry Cleland and company.

Float is the first-ever durational performance in Scotland designed specifically for babies from birth to 12 months old which began with sell-out previews from 20th to 21st March at Lyra’s Artspace in Craigmillar, Edinburgh.

Matheson said: “After nearly 19 years, the time has come for a change in leadership at Starcatchers. I have relished every moment of the journey Starcatchers has taken, the joy, magic, innovation and the challenge.

“I'm honoured to have worked with hundreds of incredible artists and practitioners and partnered with brilliant organisations and professionals since Starcatchers began as a pilot in 2006. Most of all I'm so very proud that tens of thousands of babies, toddlers, young children and their parents, carers and families have had the opportunity to engage with or participate in wonderful performances and activities that have been made especially for them and that theatre or arts experiences for babies is now something that is expected as part of growing up in Scotland.

“Float represents the next chapter of that legacy and is a wonderful example of the innovative work that Starcatchers has pioneered since 2006 allowing babies to experience the wonder, joy and inspiration of a performance that has been created with their needs and interests at its heart.

I will continue to work with the Starcatchers team over the coming months in a strategic role and I will also be working with equity innovator, Elevate Great (formerly Cattanach) as strategic lead for Participation. I always knew there would be a time to hand over the reins and I'm delighted that as I move into a new phase of my career that the stewardship of this special organisation will be tended by two incredible professionals and colleagues.

“Heather Armstrong who has overseen the development of our work with the Early Learning and Childcare workforce and Jennifer Phillips who has delivered our productions and artist development activities will undertake a new Co-CEO role from May 2025. Their combined expertise alongside the power of the Starcatchers team will be a force to be reckoned with!”

Jude Henderson, Chair of Starcatchers’ Board shared, “Whilst it will be hard for all of us to imagine Starcatchers without Rhona at the helm, we are delighted to support the progression of two brilliant leaders within the organisation.

"Heather and Jennifer are perfectly situated to take us into the next phase of our development following the success of our Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding application. We’re making a mindful transition and are grateful that we’ll continue to benefit from Rhona’s experience and commitment in her new role in the coming months.”

As Rhona Matheson steps down, current head of artist development, Jennifer Phillips, and Head of Early Years Development, Heather Armstrong, will take on the role of joint Chief Executives. Jennifer and Heather have been a key part of Starcatchers for several years and will continue to lead the company through this exciting new phase.

They said: "We are honoured to step into the role of joint chief executives at such an exciting time. With the launch of the national tour of our groundbreaking performance, we are continuing to push the boundaries of what the arts can do for the very youngest children. We look forward to carrying on the incredible legacy created by Rhona and guiding the company into its next chapter.”