Black creative talent in Scotland
- Be United is a charity advocating, nurturing and championing Black people working in the performing arts, screen and events sectors in Scotland
- New board members bring expertise in income generation, strategic planning, environmental expertise and creative development and programming. This compliments the legal, fundraising, funding and social justice and activism that already exists on the Be United Board
- New Board appointees are; Veronique AA Lapeyre, Olubukola Popoola, Ben Chinchen and Louis Parker-Evans
 |  |  |  |
New Be United Trustees L-R: Veronique AA Lapeyre, Louis Parker-Evans, Ben Chinchen and Olubukola Popoola
Be United, the Scotland based charity addressing the significant underrepresentation and misrepresentation of Black people within the creative industries has announced the appointment of four new board members. The organisation which also addresses the lack of Black people holding senior positions or positions of authority within the creative sectors, delivers a series of programmes to support, develop and showcase Black creative talent in Scotland. Working with organisations across Scotland including Edinburgh International Festival, Fruitmarket, STV Studios, Amazon Studios, Creative Scotland and The Royal Lyceum Theatre amongst others.
New Trustees joining the Be United Board are Veronique AA Lapeyre, Olubukola Popoola, Ben Chinchen and Louis Parker-Evans. Joining as Chair, Scottish-Mauritian Veronique AA Lapeyre is a new generation leader and multihyphenate who works across strategy, programming, commerce and communications.
Following her time as Chair of Scottish Contemporary Art Network, 36 year Lapeyre is one of the youngest experienced Board Chairs working in Scotland today. Olubukola Popoola is an Environmental Consultant with experience in Environmental management, Climate Change and Sustainability.
Ben Chinchen is a digital specialist in marketing and fundraising with experience in delivering successful campaigns in the charitable sector. Ben has helped deliver the highest ever grossing fundraising appeals for a former charity employer and has worked to increase website income by a large UK charity by 54% year on year.
Louis Parker-Evans is a contemporary dance artist with experience of touring internationally with award winning dance companies. Alongside performing Louis is an experienced Rehearsal Director and Producer.
Speaking on the announcement of the new trustees Be United Executive Director, Emma Sithole said:
“The successful recruitment of four new trustees to join our board reflects a significant point within our organisation’s development and journey. The diversity of skills, experience and perspectives on our board enriches our organisation and ultimately our work. Our board continues to be reflective of the communities that we seek to serve, this remains of paramount importance to us.
The development we as an organisation have undergone in the past 12 months, is a testament to the drive and ambition that we have to positively impact and influence the Scottish cultural sectors. We are in a very strong position, which will ensure we can continue to meet the challenges and opportunities that come with our work and continued growth.
What this means going forward, we will reach further across Scotland with our programmes, will launch forth new elements of our creative programme thus empowering us to reach and work with more Black creatives. We will remain committed to our advocacy work and continue to strive for more equitable practices across the sector through our partnerships, collaborations and influence.”
Be United Presents at Fruitmarket featuring Sean Focus photo by Papajgun Photography
New Chair Veronique AA Lapeyre said
“As I step into the role of chair at this dynamic charity, I am excited by the opportunity to lead during a pivotal moment for Be United. Together with the new and existing board members, Executive Director Emma Sithole and the passionate team, we are igniting a new era of changemaking and impact by supporting Black Scottish creatives and producers to achieve their ambitions. With dedication, empathy, and collective effort, we will empower our community and make a tangible difference in the lives of those we support.
As someone of mixed heritage, Scottish Mauritian, assuming this role, I am deeply moved by the opportunity to represent and uplift the voices of our diverse community alongside a fully BPOC board. Our organisation’s mission to advocate, nurture and champion Black people working in the performing arts, screen and events sectors, resonates profoundly with me, and I am committed to ensuring that our leadership reflects the rich tapestry of identities within our midst. Together, we will harness the power of our shared experiences, perspectives, and strengths to drive meaningful change and address the unique challenges facing our community.”
New Trustee Olubukola Popoola said:
“Be United is a place where diversity is core and excellence is evident. I am delighted to join the Board as I want to be a part of a community that promotes culture and creativity, and to give back and improve environmental sustainability.”
New Trustee Ben Chinchen said: “I’m honoured to join the Be United Board at this exciting time, twinning my passions for equity, diversity, and fundraising, with a strong commitment to music and the arts. Joining at this pivotal moment, I’m committed to contributing to Be United’s growth, supporting its commercial ventures, and championing a diverse and inclusive creative community.”
New Trustee Louis Parker-Evans said:
“After meeting Emma Sithole (Executive Director) at Clore Leadership Pulse 2023 and seeing how dedicated, passionate and serious she was about addressing imbalances in the sector, I was keen to join the board of Be United not only to further my own professional development and understanding of governance, but to contribute towards a more equitable landscape for a sector and industry I love dearly. Finding an organisation like Be United with fantastic leadership and morals that align with my own is a fantastic opportunity and I look forward to working with the team in this exciting new chapter for the organisation.”
Equalities & Diversity Officer at Creative Scotland, Graham Reid said: “Be United’s appointment of new trustees shows the importance of EDI in action as we strive for Scotland’s culture and creativity to reflect the diversity of its people. Each new appointment will bring a wealth of knowledge and individual lived experience to the make-up of Be United, allowing them to stronger advocate for Black Scottish creatives.”
With support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, Be United undertook an extensive 360 board and leadership review with engaged governance consultant Briana Pegado, who specialises in intersectional, anti-racist, feminist governance and inclusive recruitment practices.
This approach aligned with the organisation’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion at all levels of the organisation. Taking guidance from Briana, Be United implemented an inclusive 3-month board recruitment period, enhanced internal training and onboarding processes and completed an internal review of the charity’s leadership.
The new Trustees will join existing Board Members Boysie Gumede, Dr Thelma Okey-Adibe, Sathia Chetty and Fiyin Fakunle to deliver Be United’s five-year goal to support 500 Black people into, and up in the creative industries in Scotland. Board recruitment continues in 2024 as Be United searches for a new Treasurer. Applications will open in April of this year.
For further information on Be United and the organisation’s activity please visit https://be-united.org.uk/ or follow on Instagram @beunitedworld.
You might also like: In Conversation with Ekow Eshun: On Creative Journey and current Exhibition at National Portrait Gallery: “The Time is Always Now”
