Introducing AGA’s New Trustees

We’re thrilled to welcome three new trustees to The Alasdair Gray Archive following a successful open recruitment process earlier this year.

Sorcha Dallas, Custodian of AGA, shared:

“On behalf of AGA, I’m delighted to welcome Cole Collins, Jade (Stout) Sneddon, and Andrew Leitch to the Board of Trustees. They join our existing and deeply supportive trustees Monica Callaghan (Chair), Judit Bodor, and Dougie Smith. This new cohort brings valuable expertise in capital investment, equity and inclusion, and data analysis — all essential to AGA’s growth at this pivotal moment in our development as a charity. I’m looking forward to working with them.”

Meet the New Trustees

Cole Collins

Cole Collins is a lecturer in Fine Art Critical Studies at the Glasgow School of Art and serves as the British Academy Early Career Researcher Network Project Officer for Scotland. He earned his PhD in 2018 and has since published, lectured, and curated exhibitions focused on queer and feminist German visual cultures.

Cole is also Vice President of the Kurt Schwitters Society, a board member of both the Alasdair Gray Archive and the Scottish Working-Class Network, and plays an active role in the Queer Minds Scotland Network. He is co-founder of the research group Parity in Practice.

With extensive experience in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and widening participation in Higher Education, Cole brings a powerful perspective shaped by his identity as a queer, working-class, first-generation academic. His commitment to cultural change in the arts and academia is central to his role at AGA.

Cole shares:
“Gray is someone we can all learn from. His arts-for-all approach — now embedded in AGA’s model — is both radical and inspiring. I’m excited to support this vision and contribute my expertise in development, EDI, and widening access to help the Archive, its staff, and its volunteers thrive.”

Andrew Leitch

With a background in architecture and design and a keen interest in the visual and moving image, Andrew Leitch brings a broad creative and governance background to the Board.

He currently serves on the Board of the Spirit of Lanarkshire Wind Energy Co-operative and has previously held trustee roles with the Awesome Foundation Glasgow and the Glasgow Film Theatre.

Andrew says:
“I look forward to supporting The Alasdair Gray Archive’s ongoing development, bringing knowledge and insight gained from my previous roles. This is a fantastic opportunity to amplify the Archive’s reach and impact — not just in Scotland but globally — in recognition of Alasdair Gray’s rich cultural legacy and his continued relevance in our cultural landscape.”

Jade (Stout) Sneddon

Jade (Stout) Sneddon is a Scottish visual artist and Head of Insight with a unique ability to bridge creative practice and analytical thinking. Her paintings — abstracted landscapes shaped by memory, light, and place — reflect a deep interest in how people experience space and meaning.

With degrees in Painting from Edinburgh College of Art and volunteer experience across the museum and gallery sector, Jade has long been committed to connecting art with its audiences.

In her professional career, Jade works in financial services as a Head of Insight. She leads projects focused on customer experience, data segmentation, and financial resilience, applying analytical rigour to inform strategic change. Her work is grounded in a belief that — like art — information should serve people.

Jade brings this blend of creativity and precision to her role as trustee:
“The Alasdair Gray Archive’s mission to make art and culture accessible to all aligns deeply with my own values. I’m honoured to contribute my skills in strategy, data, and engagement to help shape the Archive’s future.”

The Alasdair Gray Archive warmly welcomes Cole, Andrew, and Jade to the Board. Their diverse perspectives and experience will help strengthen our mission to preserve, promote, and extend the legacy of Alasdair Gray for future generations.