Nicola Henderson

Timespan Museum and Art gallery is having a change of Director at the end of the month. Nicola Henderson, who has been in post for just over 3 years is moving to Aberdeen to be near her husband, Alastair. She has just been appointed Director of Woodend Barn, one of the leading arts centres in Scotland. On the edge of Banchory in Aberdeenshire, Woodend Barn is a hub of creativity, hosting a diverse programme of music, theatre, comedy, dance, film, children’s events, art exhibitions and workshops.

Nicola has moved Timespan from strength to strength in her short time in Helmsdale. She and her staff worked hard to be one of the first museums to achieve national accreditation. She then went on to lead Timespan into the Amb:IT:ion project funded by Creative Scotland bringing the latest in digital development to the organisation. This allowed Timespan to produce an exciting, innovative, contemporary, heritage project, Museum Without Walls, part of which is to produce a new heritage trail into the Strath of Kildonan with the help of a smartphone app.

Timespan prides itself by working with the community for the community and Nicola was instrumental in ensuring that Timespan’s unique selling point, bridging heritage with the arts, has become stronger for the community. Art Across Sutherland, a programme that she has led along with the Timespan Arts committee has ensured that artists bring creativity and innovation to our heritage projects whilst artists are encouraged to gain inspiration from our rich, unspoilt heritage; so much so that Timespan appeared on the Creative Scotland website where it was described as ‘one of three arts organisations in the Highlands who are leading the way in providing a platform for local and international artists and who are working closely with their local communities to produce innovative public art projects.’ A full page article on Timespan and artist Graham Fagan appeared in the Review section of Scotland on Sunday last month – such national recognition is quite a feat for such a small organisation.

Timespan’s chair, Jean Sargent said, ‘We are going to miss Nicola so much. Her drive, enthusiasm and hard work is second to none. She has a great insight into what will work for our community. Helmsdale should be very proud of what their Museum and Art gallery has achieved during her time here. We wish her well in her new role and hope that we will be able to work with her on joint projects in the future.’

When Nicola first took on the role of Director at Timespan she commuted to Helmsdale from Skye. She and Alastair then moved to Helmsdale where they entered into village life. Nicola soon became a member of the Helmsdale Development Group where she helped get the first projects underway. She was also one of the founder members of the Friends of Kildonan Church which was set up to safeguard the future of this historic building. She joined the Highlands and Islands Museum Forum and soon became its Chair. She has organised, encouraged and supported numerous events in Timespan for the people of Helmsdale, from the exhibition by world renowned artist Ed Ruscha to fundraising events for other charities such as RLNI and Macmillan Cancer Support. Always looking to promote Helmsdale, she has appeared on TV, radio and in national newspapers during her time at Timespan.

Nicola said, ‘I have thoroughly enjoyed leading Timespan over the past three years since its redevelopment. I inherited an organisation that was refreshed and ready for new challenges and believe that together with the staff, volunteers and board we have faced those challenges head on allowing the organisation to flourish and its reputation to grow nationally – as the Scotland on Sunday said “(Timespan)…is one of the most remarkable little galleries in the country’. I hope to stay in touch and work with the Helmsdale community again in the future. Thank you to all who welcomed me into the community and to the staff and board for supporting me in my work’.

A new Director, Kati Clark, has been appointed and will start work in November. Kati recently moved from Battersea Arts Centre, London to the North East of Scotland.

Source: Timespan