Culture Shock is David Officer, a big old nerd from Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, who wants to help charities and businesses be awesome at telling their story to the people that matter for them.
David brings a unique blend of artistic sensibility and digital acumen to the world of marketing. With over 25 years of experience in Aberdeen’s vibrant cultural scene, David is keen to apply those creative skills in marketing supporting the arts and tech sectors in north-east Scotland.
David’s career is a testament to his ability to merge creativity with strategic thinking. From starting out promoting gigs and metal nights in Aberdeen, then coordinating marketing efforts at Woodend Barn, finally spearheading Aberdeen City Council’s cultural initiatives, he’s consistently been at the forefront of promoting and developing the region’s creative industries.
As the Lead Officer for Spectra, Scotland’s Festival of Light, David transformed a local event into a national attraction, drawing over 119,000 visits in 2023. This experience showcases his ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences – a skill that’s at the heart of Culture Shock’s approach.
David’s toolkit is as diverse as his experience:
Strategic marketing for cultural events and tech initiatives
Data-driven decision making and audience segmentation
Digital platform mastery and innovative tech integration
Economic strategy development for creative industries
Stakeholder management and public policy alignment
With an MA in Arts, Cultural and Festival Management from QMU and ongoing professional development in data analysis, David is passionate about professional development and always keen to learn more.
Based in Stonehaven (not pictured) with his family, David brings a local’s perspective to global marketing trends. This connection to community, combined with his extensive professional network, ensures that Culture Shock’s strategies are both locally relevant and internationally competitive.
When he’s not creating awesome marketing strategies, David’s passions reflect the creative and tech worlds he serves. From staying up to date with the latest crushing heavy metal releases, exploring art exhibitions or watching dance performances, he’s always looking for great experiences. An accomplished photographer, he’s spent years capturing the wild beauty of Scotland through his lens. His love for making experimental electronic music, technology and gaming (he’s an occasional Twitch streamer) keeps him plugged into digital culture.
David’s cycling adventures through Aberdeenshire not only keep him grounded but also inspired. It was during recovery from a bad cycling accident that the idea for Culture Shock was born – a testament to his resilience and innovative spirit.