Scottish arts organisation to appoint two directors as it prepares for its next phase in supporting the cultural industries

Scottish arts organisation Wasps Artists’ Studios has paid tribute to chief executive David Cook who has announced his departure after more than 20 years.

During Mr Cook’s tenure the Glasgow-based body has been transformed from a small loss-making charity into one of the most successful bodies of its type in Britain. In recent weeks it received national recognition when it was named as Scottish Social Enterprise of the Year by Social Enterprise Scotland.

Andrew Burrell, the chair of Wasps, said: “David has been integral to the success of Wasps as it has grown and developed and leaves it in a sound financial position.

“Our ability to support large numbers of artists and, other creative people, by providing them with affordable workspace all over Scotland is in no small measure due to his hard work and that of the Wasps team.

“Few organisations are able to hold on to talented senior staff for such a long time. David will be much missed and we wish him every success for the future.

“Over the years the size and complexity of our business has grown enormously and we will be building on its success with our two planned senior appointments.”

Wasps, which provides affordable and high-quality workspace for 1,000 creative people in in 17 centres all over Scotland, is now seeking a new senior executive director to replace and will also create a new executive directorship for governance.