New chief executive hoping to build on coast’s arts reputation

THE new chief executive of the Scarborough Museums Trust has pledged to build on the burgeoning reputation of the Yorkshire coast’s arts scene.

Debbie Seymour has been appointed to oversee the charity at a time when arts and culture are having a renaissance in the region’s seaside towns and villages.

While her focus will be Scarborough’s venues, which include the Rotunda Museum, Scarborough Art Gallery and the Scarborough Collections based at Woodend on The Crescent, she stressed she will liaise with other senior officials to promote the wider arts scene.

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Mrs Seymour said: “It is an exciting time, and there are already strong links between arts organisations in Yorkshire. I am really looking to become involved, especially as the coast is such a wonderful place that attracts real talent in the arts scene.”

The line-up was unveiled earlier this month for one of the coast’s major arts events, which is being staged on February 16. A total of 44 events and attractions are being lined up for the Coastival - A Different View event in Scarborough. The festival will feature former Culture Club singer Boy George, now a respected DJ, as well as classical music, theatre and art installations.

And the inaugural Staithes Arts and Heritage Festival was staged last year in the historic fishing port, to the north of Whitby. The village has a long association with the arts, and in the 19th century it famously became home to a group of artists, who would later become known as the Staithes group.

Mrs Seymour, originally from Mossley in Greater Manchester, will start her new role on February 25. She replaces the previous chief executive, Shirley Collier, who left in October. Since then the post has been held by acting chief executive Jane Glaister.

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Mrs Seymour has worked as a museums officer in Hambleton and Richmondshire and was Leeds University’s collections officer. She is currently the principal museums officer at Flintshire County Council.