INCREASED arts programme-making has led to the filling of a new role within BBC Scotland.
David Okuefuna has been named creative director of Arts within the arts unit of BBC Scotland’s factual programmes department.
The role was created following a decision to have some of the BBC’s network arts programmes made – or part-made – in Scotland, including The Culture Show and Newsnight Review.
David has currently executive role concerning factual output across BBC Two and BBC Four.
Prior to that, Okuefuna was an editor in the BBC Arts Studio where he worked on documentary series, single films, special events and outside broadcast coverage events, mainly for BBC Four.
These have included Edwardians In Colour: The Wonderful World of Albert Kahn, Racism: A History, Art of Eternity, The Thirties in Colour and The Story of Maths.
The BBC is describing his appointment as “a pivotal development in strengthening the Glasgow and London axis of BBC Arts production across the two bases”.
Continues the BBC: “In his new role, David will be in charge of overseeing the Scotland Arts slate; developing new ideas for BBC Scotland arts and acting as executive producer on Imagine [arts strand] working closely with presenter and editor, Alan Yentob. David will also be creative director on the new arts review show, formerly Newsnight Review. Both shows are due to move to Scotland Arts [next year].”
Adds Andrea Miller, head of Factual at BBC Scotland: “I’m thrilled to have David on board. He is an exceptional producer who knows what audiences want and is a brilliant creative leader. The changes mean we have a very strong, experienced arts team strategically placed to deliver quality programmes from Scotland and London, providing an exciting pan-UK perspective of the arts.”
David will take up his post in the New Year.
