ARTS bosses at Creative Scotland have closed a key funding programme amid “uncertainty” over the financial support the organisation receives from the Scottish Government.
Iain Munro, chief executive officer of the organisation, said the decision to close its open fund to new applicants from the end of this month was “unavoidable”.
It announced the move at the same time as it said details have “yet to emerge” of £100 million of funding for the arts and culture sector that was promised by then first minister Humza Yousaf.
Munro said: “Like everyone working in Scotland’s culture and creative sector, we understand the extreme pressures on public finances but want to see longer-term budget certainty from the Scottish Government, including the additional £100 million announced in October 2023, details of which have yet to emerge.”
Creative Scotland was also, meanwhile, given a “gold-plated commitment” by Culture Secretary Angus Robertson last October that £6.6 million of cash from its reserves that it used to make up a budget shortfall would be reinstated.
The arts body had planned to use £3 million of this cash, together with £3 million of money from the National Lottery, for its open fund – which it describes as being one of its “key funding programmes” helping to support “the wide range of activity initiated by artists, writers, producers and other creative practitioners in Scotland”.
Creative Scotland said the government had been unable to confirm the release of £6.6 million in grant-in-aid budget for 2024-25.
Munro said that was causing “critical problems” for Creative Scotland.
He stated: “The level of uncertainty regarding the provision of grant-in-aid budgets from the Scottish Government is creating critical problems for the ongoing support we can provide to Scotland’s culture sector.
“This decision to close the open fund for individuals is not one we would have wanted to take but is unavoidable without the funding from the Scottish Government being available.”
Creative Scotland said its open fund will close to new applications from 2pm on Friday August 30.
All currently submitted applications from individuals will be processed in line with its published guidance, with Creative Scotland adding that the National Lottery open fund for organisations remains open.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government already provides significant funding to Creative Scotland each year and will continue to do so.
“We have increased arts culture funding this year, as the first step to achieving our commitment to invest at least £100 million more annually in culture and the arts by 2028-29.”
However, the spokesperson added: “The Scottish budget continues to face significant challenges. We are considering the implications of the actions announced by the Chancellor on July 29 for our public finances, and the next steps required by the Scottish Government.”
