Personal Profile

Mike Bailey has been treasurer and webmaster for the group since February 2008.

Mike was formerly Museums and Galleries Organiser for Kyle and Carrick District Council, later assuming the role of Visual Arts Development Officer with South Ayrshire Council.  His duties included the development of the museum and gallery services in the district and, in particular. the provision of visual arts activities at Rozelle Park in Ayr.   He acted as Director of the Maclaurin Art Gallery and had responsibility for planning and implementing a varied programme of exhibitions and activities.  He worked closely with Mrs Maclaurin's Trust in the formation of an outstanding collection of contemporary art including important works by international figures such as Bridget Riley, John Bellany, Ian Hamilton Finlay and Alan Davie.

During Mike's time with the Maclaurin Trust, the gallery became a regular venue for touring exhibitions from the Arts Council of Great Britain.  In addition to the many Scottish artists who showed in the gallery, there were frequent visitors from many parts of Europe, including Poland, Italy, Austria and Germany.

Mike's other interest lay in the theatre and he was an active member of Ayr Intimate Opera and the Compass Club, working on numerous productions as lighting designer and stage director.  He also acted with Craigie College Drama Group and the Compass Club.  Further afield, he has worked with the Kirkcudbright Arts Festival, the Lakeland Festival, Clonter Opera Studios, the Green Room Club of Carlisle, Wilmslow Guild and the RAF Wildenrath Little Theatre.  While working as a weather forecaster, he was a regular broadcaster with BBC Scotland.

In the 1980's, Mike was secretary of Ayr Arts Guild and was the first Programme Director for the Ayrshire Arts Festival.

Mike has a keen interest in the Children's Hearing system in Scotland and has served on a number of school boards.  He retired from full time employment in 1997.