DGU was set up in 2012 following the closure of dgArts, formerly Dumfries and Galloway Arts Association.
And Cathy has been at the helm for that whole time.
Recalling the enthusiastic response at the initial public meeting to progress the idea, she said: “We hoped for 20 people that night and close to 100 showed up. That gave us the confidence to realise that we were right to press on to try to find a new and innovative approach to arts delivery across the region.”
There are now nearly 500 members and over the years it has worked with Creative Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway Council and a range of other organisations to run arts and cultural projects and to bring a more strategic approach to arts provision and leadership.
Cathy, who lives in the Glenkens, said: “I feel I’m leaving the organisation at a time when it is well-established and confident in itself. Its future priorities will be to concentrate on the benefits that can be brought to the membership and to the people of the region.
“For instance, it’s important that DGU’s activities continue to make a direct impact on creative organisations and individuals, especially after so many have been hard-hit by the pandemic.
“Above all, I believe that DGU will continue to engage with the region’s creative sector and take every opportunity to champion its successes to the outside world.”
Among its successes has been the establishment of the Regional Arts Fund. There is also the Creative Leaders project, supported by Creative Scotland, which gives support, training and mentoring and helps nurture artists’ professional development.
Next year will see a post-covid season of cultural activities for communities across the region that DGU is developing in partnership with the council.
Cathy added: “We’ve come a long way in nine years and I am proud to have played my part.
“But none of this could have happened without so many people giving their time, energy and enthusiasm – the enthusiasm of the membership, the commitment of board members, the energy and skills of the various DGU teams as they evolved.
“And we managed to win the trust, respect and support of our partners, funders and collaborators – in particular Dumfries and Galloway Council, Creative Scotland, LEADER and The Holywood Trust.
“We are the envy of many a local authority area in Scotland and often heralded as a trailblazer.”
She will be replaced as board chairman by Stephen Lacey from Lockerbie.
