Emma Nicolson

Emma Nicolson is Head of Creative Programmes at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh where she leads on the development of a new arts strategy, the creation of innovative exhibitions and interpretative opportunities that engage with art, nature, science and the environment in the unique context of RGBE. In 2020 she launched Climate House and formed a collaboration with the Serpentine Galleries through the formation of the General Ecology Network. Prior to this she was the founding director of the award-winning ATLAS Arts (2010-2018) based on the Isle of Skye. During her tenure with ATLAS she undertook a two year guest curator role with Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre in North Usit (2014-16). She has delivered large-scale commissions, exhibitions and music and performance programmes.

Emma is a cultural leader and innovator with a strong track record of creative thinking developing and delivering strategic vision and change. With particular interest in developing programming that helps engender individual and societal change, she is committed to partnership working for and with artists, creative professionals and communities, encouraging creative and critical thinking with local, as well as national and international audiences. Emma has been actively involved in the visual arts for over twenty years and has worked with leading cultural institutions in Scotland, England, Ireland and Australia, including Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney Australia (2007-2010), National Galleries of Scotland (2001-07), and Fife Council.