We are pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Hollington as Interim CEO, alongside Kirsty Somerville as Interim General Manager. Jim and Kirsty will work with Dance City from April until August 2026, supporting the organisation while we undertake the recruitment of a new, permanent Chief Executive & Creative Director. 

After starting his career in sales and marketing, Jim joined the British Council, where he supported creative individuals and organisations to connect internationally. He has since brought this experience to organisations including Edinburgh International Festival, Dance Base Scotland and Creative Edinburgh, and since April 2025 has been working as a specialist consultant. His work focuses on organisational development, strategic planning, leading teams through change, and fostering relationships across the public and private sectors in the UK and internationally. Recent clients include Cumbernauld Theatre and Parents & Carers in Performing Arts. 

Kirsty joins Dance City with over 15 years’ experience in the arts and cultural sector, across strategic planning, artistic development, festival and programme management, line management and organisational leadership. Her career spans work in Scotland and New Zealand, including roles with Dance Base, Cryptic, and the Auckland Arts Festival. Most recently, she joined the East Lothian Council as Team Manager of the Council’s Arts Service, which included the strategic management and artistic direction for the Brunton Theatre Trust. Kirsty now works as a Freelance Producer, Programmer and Cultural Consultant.  

Commenting on his appointment, Jim said: “Dance City plays a vital role in championing dance and supporting artists and communities in the North East. I’m delighted to take on the role of Interim CEO and to work alongside the Board, staff, artists and partners to keep things running smoothly and to prepare the ground for the arrival of the new Chief Executive & Creative Director arrival.”  

Kirsty added: “Dance City has an exceptional team doing vital work to support dance communities in the North East. I’m looking forward to working closely with staff over the coming months, providing stability and support and ensuring the organisation is well placed for its next chapter.” 

We have engaged independent consultant Gregory Nash as our search partner for the recruitment of our Chief Executive & Creative Director. If the role may be of interest, we ask that, in the first instance, you send a CV or professional profile link to dancecityceo@gregory-nash.com before Wednesday 29 April. Applications close on Tuesday 5 May at 10.00.  

Full details and the application pack are available on our Jobs and Opportunities page.