David Skinner has been named the first executive director of the Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts.

Festival chairman Ian Davidson said the appointment was the result of a strategic planning process, focused on the increasingly significant challenge of creating a calender of world class performances from a range of genres in a sustainable economic framework.

“For forty years the festival has thrived making a positive contribution to the community by entertaining, educating and inspiring local audiences with a high calibre of featured performances and an extensive outreach programme,” Mr Davidson said. “Our outreach programme is offered to every school in Bermuda, and master classes are available wherever possible for those already progressing in their study of the performing arts.

“Until this appointment, the administration, finance and management functions of the festival have been performed by a small contingent of part-time staff and a core group of very dedicated volunteers under the guidance of a volunteer chairman.

“During our strategic planning process, the board recognised that a more dedicated commitment was required to these functions and to maintain the standards of the festival while offering a diverse programme of world class performances that satisfies a broad cross section of the community.

“The festival is very fortunate to have secured the services of Mr Skinner as its first executive director to lead us through these challenging times. His business and professional background together with his personal involvement with the performing arts, as a musician and teacher, make him ideally suited for this leadership position.”

Mr Skinner meanwhile said he was excited about the challenge ahead of him, saying: “The Bermuda Festival has a rich history thanks to the dedication of the board, staff and volunteers over the years. I look forward to working with the organisation to help sustain and develop the festival’s future.”