Previously Head of Creative Engagement, Claire now joins the Executive Team as Director of Creative Development and will lead on the creative strategy for the organisation, including creative engagement and artistic planning and development.
The creation of this new role reflects the continued growth and impact of Capital Theatres’ work both on and off our stages, and recognises the organisation’s deep commitment to supporting artists, participants, and communities across Edinburgh and beyond.
Fiona Gibson, Chief Executive at Capital Theatres said:
“I am delighted that Claire has joined the Executive Team in this new role which really highlights the vital work that she and her team do both on and off our stages. Whether it’s working with artists to be the best they can possibly be through our Artist Support programme, supporting people living with dementia to excel in what they can do, encouraging young people to learn new skills and flourish through engaging with the arts, or building resilience and friendship through our heritage volunteer group – Claire is always there, with her unwavering enthusiasm, warmth and wisdom. I am looking forward to working with Claire to continue to build on these vital strands of work in the future.”
Claire Swanson, Director of Creative Development at Capital Theatres said:
“I’m delighted to be taking on the role of Director of Creative Development at Capital Theatres, and to be joining the Executive Team at such an important moment for the organisation. Our creative strategy is about how we connect artistic ambition, public value and meaningful engagement with audiences, artists and communities across Scotland. I’m looking forward to building on the brilliant work already happening across the organisation, and to helping shape the next stage of Capital Theatres’ creative development.”
As Head of Creative Engagement for almost five years, Claire has led an extraordinary range of activity across Edinburgh and Scotland, reaching over 31,000 participations a year, from young people, children with additional support needs and people living with dementia.
Alongside this, she has played a key role in shaping a new artistic identity for the Studio Theatre, through the creation of Open@Studio, now Open for Creatives, Capital Theatres’ Artist Support programme for Scottish theatre-makers. Claire has also supported the commissioning of new small-scale work and co-delivered the Musicals Commissioning Hub in partnership with Pitlochry Festival Theatre, which produced Nessie in 2024. All of these are a crucial investment in the long-term health of Scottish theatre.
Claire’s commitment to inclusive and accessible theatre has helped secure national recognition for Capital Theatres, including the UK Theatre Excellence in Inclusivity Award for dementia-friendly activity, while Barrowland Ballet’s The Gift won the 2023 CATS Award for Best Production for Children and Families. Claire was also nominated for the Creative Edinburgh Leadership Award last year, recognising her significant contribution to the cultural sector.