Eve Nicol Joins Aberdeen Arts Centre as Creative Director
Amidst challenges facing the arts sector, the new creative director aims to build on the centre’s recent resurgence.
Aberdeen Arts Centre has welcomed Eve Nicol as its new programming and creative director, bringing fresh energy and bold ideas to the much-loved venue. Originally from Glasgow, Eve is a theatre director and playwright with a love of grassroots creativity and community connection. She takes over from Amy Liptrott, whose two-year tenure saw the centre grow its profile and deepen its ties with the local performing arts community.
The Arts Centre feels like it’s buzzing with life right now. Over the past few months, there’s been a real sense of momentum, with the venue hosting a diverse range of performances and showing a renewed commitment to supporting local talent. It’s an exciting time, and Eve Nicol’s appointment as creative director feels perfectly timed to build on this energy. With her experience and fresh ideas, she has the platform to take the Arts Centre’s 61-year legacy in bold new directions while continuing to nurture Aberdeen’s creative community.
A Vision for Creativity and Collaboration
For Eve, Aberdeen Arts Centre represents a place where creativity thrives. Reflecting on her new role she said: “Aberdeen Arts Centre’s renewal and revival drew me in—it’s a place where creative dreaming takes root.” She plans to transform the recently revived Children’s Theatre into a hub for experimental, fast-moving artistic development, describing it as a “rough-and-ready lab” for local talent to create work that resonates far beyond the city.
Eve also sees an opportunity to connect Aberdeen’s creative scene with national and international stages, showcasing what the North East offers while fostering meaningful relationships with artists and audiences alike.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Outgoing creative director Amy Liptrott leaves an impressive legacy, including initiatives like the Artist Development Programme and an expanded Creative Learning Programme. Reflecting on her time at the centre, Amy said: “It’s been a privilege to support the local performing community and see this special place grow.”
Sharon Robertson, chair of the board, added: “Eve blew us away with her drive and passion for grassroots creativity. Her vision is exactly what we need.”
As Eve settles into her new role, Aberdeen audiences can look forward to seeing how her vision unfolds. With its rich history and recent resurgence, Aberdeen Arts Centre is well-positioned to remain a vital part of Scotland’s cultural landscape while continuing to inspire artists and audiences alike. As Eve puts it: “The stories made here will have roots in the North East but reach far beyond.”
