Sharon Burgess appointed Chief Executive of Aberdeen Performing Arts

Aberdeen Performing Arts’ Board today announces Sharon Burgess as the new Chief Executive of the arts organisation, where she will take up post on Thursday, June 1.

Sharon Burgess is an experienced global arts leader, most recently in post as Chief Executive of ARTRAGE, a non-for-profit cultural organisation based in Perth, Western Australia, where she was instrumental in successfully navigating the organisation through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Burgess led ARTRAGE to a position of strength, where it is poised for ongoing success, delivering enduring positive impact for the Western Australia community.

Burgess is returning to her roots in Scotland to take the helm at Aberdeen Performing Arts, and was previously immersed in the Scottish cultural sector as Managing Director of Assembly, one of the largest and oldest multi-venue producers at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, running almost 30 venues, hosting over 220 events per day across all genres and issuing over half a million tickets over the Fringe season.

Burgess has held positions as Board Member of the Edinburgh Fringe Society, General Manager and Business Development Manager at The Gilded Balloon, Edinburgh, National Operations Director at Forsyth Business Centers, and is an experienced independent producer and promoter, bringing a wealth of experience working with major promoters and events.

Sharon Burgess said: “I am deeply honoured and privileged to be appointed as Chief Executive of Aberdeen Performing Arts. It is an incredible opportunity to work with such a talented and passionate team, and to continue the outstanding work they do in enriching the cultural landscape of Aberdeen and the North East. I look forward to working with the team to build on the legacy of Aberdeen Performing Arts, and continue to create unforgettable experiences, while fostering a culture of sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity. I am eagerly looking forward to immersing myself in everything this beautiful region has to offer and making it my home”.

Craig Pike, Chair of the Board of Aberdeen Performing Arts said: “We are thrilled to appoint Sharon Burgess as our new Chief Executive, following an extensive recruitment process. Sharon will bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the role and we look forward immensely to welcoming her to Aberdeen Performing Arts this June.

Sharon joins the team at an exciting and pivotal time for Aberdeen Performing Arts, and her contribution to culture in the North East will be warmly welcomed as we continue to build on our success as a leading destination internationally.”

Aberdeen City Council, Culture Spokesperson, Councillor Martin Greig, said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome Sharon Burgess to the city in this leading position with Aberdeen Performing Arts, which is one of Aberdeen’s most important cultural organisations. Sharon brings a great wealth of experience in the arts. Through her role in Aberdeen Performing Arts, she will add so much to the creative life of the city.”

Image Credit: Jessica Wyld Photography