This role represents a new chapter for The Benedetti Foundation which celebrates its fifth birthday this year. Having grown exponentially since its inception, Fitzpatrick will be responsible for implementing the educational mission of the Foundation, working closely with Artistic Director Nicola Benedetti and managing the Foundation’s growing team.
Fitzpatrick joins The Benedetti Foundation from the National Theatre of Scotland where he is the Director of Creative Engagement (since 2020) and leads activity and productions that are made with and for communities and projects in education settings.
Paul Fitzpatrick commented, “I am thrilled to be joining The Benedetti Foundation at such an exciting and pivotal time. Music education was my way into the arts as a child, and that truly changed my life. I am deeply committed to ensuring that every young person—regardless of background—has access to the transformative power of the arts. I look forward to working with Nicola, the team, and the wider Foundation community to build on its incredible success and help shape its future.”
Nicola Benedetti commented, “I am thrilled to announce Paul Fitzpatrick as our first Chief Executive. He brings outstanding education and community experience, as well as a genuine passion, drive and commitment to young people. His values and beliefs are deeply aligned with who we are and what we stand for, and I am truly excited to see what we can achieve together. I can’t wait to get started.”
Fitzpatrick is a respected cultural leader, with extensive experience in the arts and education sector, having held leadership roles at some of Scotland’s leading cultural organisations, including the National Theatre of Scotland and Imaginate. With a deep commitment to arts accessibility and a passion to drive social change, he combines strategic leadership with a hands-on approach to engagement and advocacy. He has led successful projects in the UK and internationally. Prior to joining the National Theatre of Scotland, Fitzpatrick was Chief Executive of Imaginate, a unique organisation in Scotland, which promotes, develops and celebrates theatre and dance for children and young people, as well as producing the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival. Before Imaginate, he was Producer and joint CEO at the internationally renowned Catherine Wheels Theatre Company (2002 to 2015) and was also the long-standing producer for theatre maker, Shona Reppe. Paul has a BA in Dramatic studies from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music, an MPhil in Dramaturgy (with distinction) from the University of Glasgow and was a fellow on the Clore Leadership Programme.
The post The Benedetti Foundation is delighted to announce Paul Fitzpatrick as its first Chief Executive. He will take up the position on 12 May 2025. appeared first on The Classical Source.
