Churn with the VileArts! Rupert's off to London...

Summerhall is proud to announce that it's first Artistic Director Rupert Thomson, who has been with the organisation since 2011, is to take up a new role as Senior Programmer for Performance and Dance at the Southbank Centre in London.

On his appointment Rupert Thomson says:

"Naturally I am very much looking forward to

getting started at Southbank. But it is also very much the case that I will miss Summerhall and the buoyant Scottish arts and culture scene. I am hugely grateful for the support and investment Summerhall has had from artists, individuals and organisations over the past few years, and I am sure many of us will be working together again one way or another in the future. This is not least as Anu and I already have plans for our company, Eleven, to continue working in Scotland supporting Scottish artists and international collaboration."

Rupert used to be my boss at The Skinny. I hate it when people I know are successful. 


Rupert will be full time at Southbank Centre from May onward but has already put in place an incredible performance schedule for Summerhall's Festival in August details of which will be announced in due course alongside the visual arts programme for the Festival.


Sam Gough, General Manager of Summerhall

says:“We are absolutely delighted that Rupert has accepted this great position at the Southbank Centre, it's a fantastic opportunity for him. Whilst here, Rupert’s artistic direction has firmly cemented Summerhall’s place in the arts and for that we are very grateful. He will be missed. The programme that Rupert has curated for this years Festival is stronger than ever with some truly brilliant shows and collaborations planned. It goes without saying that we wish him all the best of luck in his new role and we look forward to hearing about all of his triumphs in London.”

Summerhall is the leading multi-arts venue in Edinburgh​ which offers an all year round programme of performance, visual arts, music, film and dance.

Founder and Director of Summerhall Robert McDowel​l says: "At Summerhall we are very proud of all of our programming in our first four years, the quality of which is greatly to Rupert's credit. He has a vision which we all share and will continue. We celebrate Rupert's well deserved reputation and are sure he will be a great asset to the Southbank. We hope Rupert will continue to offer his good advice and be an informative mentor to all that we strive to accomplish here at Summerhall in the future"