Our Members

Sally Thomson is the Director of Grampian Hospitals Art Trust (GHAT). Her career began 35 years ago as a freelance craft artist, creating work and delivering community programmes. In 1995, she became the founding coordinator of Somerset Partnerships Arts Education Agency, before moving to the North East of Scotland to work as Arts Development Officer and Public Arts Officer for Aberdeenshire Council, and later as Arts Coordinator at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital. For the last 14 years, she has led GHAT, championing arts and creativity as a fundamental part of wellbeing and life itself. Sally is also a trustee of Art Heritage Culture and Wellbeing Scotland.

Jane Ogamba Akadiri is the Founder and Charity Manager of Touch of Love Outreach, a charity transforming lives across Aberdeen through youth empowerment, food security, integration, and wellbeing support. Under her leadership, the charity has supported over 4,000 minority ethnic households, distributed more than 40,000 food parcels, delivered 350+ educational seminars, and helped over 60 individuals into employment. Touch of Love was named 2025 Charity of the Year and won the People’s Choice Award at the SCVO Scottish Charity Awards. Jane was also recognised as Inspirational Leader at the National Youth Work Awards 2025 for her national influence in building inclusive, resilient communities.

Matt Godfrey is Director of Finance and Commercial at Aberdeen Performing Arts, where he oversees all non-creative functions including sustainability strategy, the organisation’s trading subsidiary, and core support services. He joined APA over three years ago as Head of Finance and Sustainability before being promoted to his current role. Prior to this, he held managerial roles in capital projects and innovation at AGS Airports, and earlier financial management positions at Aberdeen International Airport and Aberdeen Journals. Matt brings significant experience in strategic financial planning, commercial growth, and operational delivery.

Stewart Aitken is a freelance theatre-maker, part of the team delivering the North East Culture Collective at Station House Media Unit (SHMU), and an associate artist with Ten Feet Tall Theatre Company. He has worked in the arts and creative sector for over 40 years, with previous roles including 11 years as Director of Aberdeen International Youth Festival, Artistic Director of Wigan Pier Theatre Company, and Drama Artist in Residence for the Scottish Borders Council. Alongside his work in theatre and television, Stewart continues to contribute to cultural life in the North East. He lives in Stonehaven with his wife Kathy and their two daughters, Catriona and Aoife.

Emyr Bell is the Creative Director and Chief Executive of North East Arts Touring (NEAT), a role he has held since 2013. Originally from Felindre near Swansea, he has lived in Aberdeenshire since 2010. With over 30 years of experience in the arts, including 15 years as a performer, Emyr brings deep creative insight to his leadership. He is also a board member of the National Rural Touring Forum and a passionate advocate for collaboration, community-led arts, and inclusive, accessible cultural experiences in rural and disadvantaged areas.

Katie Watson is a Relationship Manager at Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce. An honours graduate in Politics and International Relations from the University of Aberdeen, she is passionate about contributing to the region’s growth and ensuring that communities benefit from meaningful opportunities. Alongside her role, Katie is Chair of Aberdeen Young Professionals, BWCFutures Lead Ambassador, and an active advocate for mental health and young professionals. She has been recognised as a Rising Star Finalist (2024), a podcast guest speaker, and a public speaker, championing the voice of the next generation in the North East.

Colin Farquhar is Head of Operations at Outer Spaces, an arts organisation providing temporary studio access to more than 600 artists and organisations across Scotland. He previously managed Belmont Filmhouse, becoming Head of Cinema Operations at the Centre for the Moving Image (CMI) before the cinema’s closure in 2022. Colin has also worked in freelance roles with Aberdeen Performing Arts, Open Road, and Regional Screen Scotland, and writes regularly for DC Thomson’s Press & Journal and Evening Express. Colin brings extensive knowledge of the arts sector in Aberdeen and Scotland, with expertise spanning cinema, visual arts, cultural strategy, operational delivery, sustainability, and partnership working.