A co-ordinator has been appointed to help strengthen creative development in Moray’s communities.

Sandra Morrison has been announced as the new post-holder for the Moray Place Partnership - a joint arts and culture development project between Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Creative Scotland.

The partnership is designed to encourage and support local organisations to work together in the community, making significant interventions to help strengthen creative development in the area.

The project is led by HIE and aims to build on the Moray Cultural Strategy which presents a series of opportunities for building a strong creative sector in Moray.

A three-year plan has been developed by the Moray Place Partnership following consultation with the culture sector, third sector, education, businesses and artists in Moray.

The post will be managed by tsiMORAY which is a dynamic local charity set up to support and promote volunteering, community groups and social enterprises.

Fiona Robb, Head of Strengthening Communities in HIE’s Moray area team said: “We are really pleased that Sandra has been appointed as the co-ordinator for the Moray Place Partnership. The role will include co-ordinating and organising events, supporting artists and working alongside public bodies, third sector and business organisations to support and develop sustainable cultural activity. This is vital to ensure that we have a thriving sector which benefits both local residents and visitors to Moray.”

Karen Dick, Place, Partnerships and Communities Officer at Creative Scotland said: “We are delighted to welcome Sandra to the Place Partnership co-ordinator role, where she will work towards the vision outlined in the Moray Cultural Strategy. Sandra will help to develop and increase access to and participation in the arts in Moray, working with partners across the region to deliver a cultural programme which inspires creativity, nurtures talent and celebrates the wealth of local artists and makers.”

Sandra has worked in heritage education for over 23 years, creating, developing and delivering many creative and cultural projects. She is currently studying for a BA in Professional Development at the University of Aberdeen and supports events and fundraising activities as Senior Vice President at the Rotary Club of Huntly. 

Sandra said: “I am very excited to be joining the team at tsiMoray and taking up the new role of Place Partnership Co-ordinator. I’ve had the pleasure of working with many creative people over the years so I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to continue my involvement in the arts.  It is a great honour for me to be joining such a motivated and professional team and I look forward to working with everyone to continue to develop and promote Moray’s creative value.” 

Fabio Villani, chief officer at tsiMORAY, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sandra to tsiMORAY, where she is joining a committed and diverse team working with people to create a better Moray. Culture plays a key part in defining our identity and supporting our wellbeing, so it’s great to have someone with Sandra’s skills and passion focusing on enabling even greater participation in arts and culture across all our communities.”