Creative Lives is delighted to announce the appointment of our new Place Director & Scotland Director, Dan Brown.  

Dan will lead Creative Lives’ place-based work across the UK and Ireland. This involves developing new place projects, establishing new partnerships, and helping to ensure that everyday creativity is recognised, supported and valued as a vital component of community wellbeing. 

In addition to coordinating the Place team, Dan will be our lead officer in Scotland, responsible for maintaining relationships with key stakeholders across Scotland.

Dan brings 25 years’ experience in community-centred cultural development, partnership working and strategic leadership across the UK, with a strong focus on creativity that strengthens communities and wellbeing.

Based in Fife, Scotland, Dan’s recent roles have included senior leadership within a cultural trust, where he led place-based programmes, secured significant external funding, and shaped creative partnerships spanning local authorities, education, voluntary organisations and national agencies. His approach is grounded in creative participation, co-design and removing barriers to access, supported by early career experience in youth work and teaching.

Alongside this, Dan is co-director of a long-running visual arts company working with moving image at festivals and events across the UK.

Dan said: “My own creative journey began through volunteering and community projects, so Creative Lives’ values resonate strongly with me. I’m excited to build on the organisation’s work in Scotland and across the UK and Ireland, supporting creative groups to thrive and making the value of everyday creativity visible and recognised.”

Robin Simpson, Chief Executive of Creative Lives, said: “Dan's appointment marks an exciting moment for Creative Lives. His proven track record in community-centred creative development and partnership working, combined with his deep commitment to creativity that strengthens communities, will be invaluable as we expand our place-based work throughout the UK and Ireland.”

Dan starts his role at Creative Lives in late February 2026.