Prof Penny Macbeth

Prof Penny Macbeth is Director, Principal & CEO of The Glasgow School of Art.

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She has comprehensive knowledge and experience of leading strategic activities and developing organisations, with an ability to advocate for creative industries at the highest levels. Penny is also project sponsor for the complex Mackintosh Building project.

A strong creative, cultural advocate and innovation leader, Penny is regularly invited to join international and UK wide conversations and initiatives in support of creative industries and their importance within all areas of the economy. Most recently as advisory board member for the CreaTech report jointly commissioned by the Royal Anniversary Trust & DCMS.

Having been an art and design academic for many years, Penny is committed to developing transformational and professionally relevant learning environments for students. As Principal of a top 10 Global Art School she represents the sector as Chair of the Specialist Institution Forum for Universities UK, Penny is also convener of UCEA Scotland, University Scotland Funding and Policy committee and member of the Future Framework for the Sustainability and Success of Scotland’s Universities Steering Group.

During her time at Manchester Metropolitan University, Penny was Dean of Manchester School of Art and Deputy Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Arts and Humanities external engagement and partnerships. Penny was also academic lead and project sponsor for the ground breaking School of Digital Arts: SODA a new school combining arts school education with digital innovation and technology.

Penny is a researcher and maker, her work explores cloth’s potential as a carrier of narrative and catalyst for community empathy and cohesion; research is drawn from artists, practitioners and archival sources.

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