SSW is thrilled to have recently welcomed new members to the team and for existing team members to take on new roles.
First up, Ruaridh Allen is our new co-director at SSW, completing our Multi-Voiced Leadership team. Ruaridh joins as the first Technical Director of SSW, accompanying Sara Gallie (Finance and Governance Director) and Sam Trotman (Programme & Partnerships Director).
Ruaridh joined SSW in Summer 2024 as Technical Manager on a 12 month pathway to this role. Over his past year he has worked tirelessly to improve the facilities and site at SSW and to introduce workshop processes and infrastructures that prioritise access and safety.
I am thrilled to be stepping into this new role as part of our multi-voice leadership team at SSW. It’s inspiring to see technical perspectives playing such a central role in our organisation.
I look forward to working closely with our team to continue the incredible work achieved over the past 45 years, it’s truly an honour to be part of.
I’m also excited to continue our progress in making our workshop spaces more accessible and supportive for everyone.
Ruaridh Allen, Technical Director
We are delighted to have Ruaridh join our multi-voiced leadership team and contribute his immense technical knowledge of making and commitment to expanding workshop access. Ruaridh demonstrates a considered and thoughtful approach to everything he does and prioritises making people feel welcomed, safe and supported within our spaces. He also has an immense track record of making and working with artists from across Scotland which he shares so generously here at SSW.
Sam Trotman, SSW Programme & Partnerships Director
SSW started the shift from a singular directorship, held by Sam Trotman (2017 – 2024) towards a new multi-voiced leadership team in April 2024 when Sam was joined by Sara Gallie (previously Finance and Office Manager) as co-director.
You can read more about multi-voiced leadership at SSW here in an interview with Sam Trotman and Scottish Contemporary Art Network.
Earlier this year we also welcomed Anna Lomas as our new Programme Producer. Anna is a seasoned producer who has led on festival programmes, events and projects across the UK including at Wild Rumpus and Platform. She is committed to supporting artists and to values led programming. As Programme Producer Anna manages our Artists’ Residency programme and organisational communications.
In September we welcomed Jo Northedge as our Communities Producer. Jo brings a wide range of skills to the role having worked in community learning and development, resettlement and women’s support services, as well as having her own arts practice. As Communities Producer Jo leads on the delivery of our Community Making Space programme and working with our Community Advisors to support life long learning, enhanced wellbeing, and positive social change.
SSW is honored to have such a committed and talented staff team supporting the organisation, facilities and programming here.
Ruaridh Allen, Technical Director
