General Manager
Christine is an experienced arts manager, producer and performer whose work spans music, theatre, environmental education, research and socially engaged practice. With a particular interest in contemporary, electroacoustic and experimental music, she brings over 20 years of experience in community-based arts and music across the UK and internationally, developing and leading work centred on access, collaboration, equity and creativity.
Her background includes roles with Ensemble Thing, The Glasgow Barons and Eco Drama, where she managed and produced programmes spanning contemporary music, opera, performance and community engagement. As a tutor, she has delivered group music-making sessions across Glasgow, Renfrewshire and Lanarkshire Councils, including with Disabled adults and Young People. Through Christine Cooper Ltd, she developed and delivered creative, research and ecological projects, including creative, environmental workshops for schools and community groups. Her work includes mentorship and consultancy, including recent work with Tialt and Hebrides Ensemble.
Christine holds a BMus (Hons) in Performance and Community Music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and a Master’s degree in Arts, Festival and Cultural Management from Queen Margaret University. She also holds an Applied Permaculture Design Certificate (Permaculture Association), reflecting her longstanding interest in sustainable, collaborative approaches in creative and community practice.
Her volunteer work includes serving as Treasurer of the South East Integration Network and as a former member of the Musicians’ Union Scotland and Northern Ireland Regional Committee, where she contributed to work on equity, access and fair working practices in the cultural sector. Her wider volunteer experience includes arts and participatory practice with organisations like Artlink Central, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Scottish Ensemble.
As General Manager of Sonic Bothy, Christine works across finance, fundraising, HR, safeguarding, governance and policy development. She supports the organisation’s operational and strategic development while helping to create the conditions for inclusive artistic practice. She is particularly committed to Disability-led and accessible approaches, the social model of Disability, fair work, and creating environments in which artists and participants with different experiences and access requirements can contribute and thrive.