Edinburgh International Festival’s 2024 programme brings audiences and artists closer together than ever before

  • The Edinburgh International Festival unveils an expansive programme of world-leading opera, music, theatre and dance from 2-25 August 2024, when the original festival that defines Edinburgh as the world’s Festival City returns for another year. 
     
  • This is the second year under the helm of Festival Director and Scottish violinist, Nicola Benedetti. ‘Rituals That Unite Us’ is the theme underpinning the 2024 Edinburgh International Festival, responding to an overwhelming desire for togetherness from artists and audiences following on from 2023’s question ‘Where Do We Go From Here?’. 
     
  • From immersive beanbag concerts and virtual reality to drop-in rehearsals and a site-specific promenade opera, the 2024 programme is defined by a deepened commitment to creating a closer union between audiences and artists through innovative and informal experiences. 
     
  • To reach the broadest possible audience, 50% of tickets for the 2024 International Festival will be sold at £30 or under, free tickets are available for young musicians, and £10 Affordable Tickets will be available for every performance in the 2024 programme. 
Classical Music: Yuja Wang, Elim Chan, Marin Alsop, Jakub Józef Orliński, Alison Balsom, Hilary Hahn, Dame Sarah Connolly, Ian Bostridge, Steven Osborne, Nicola Benedetti, Maxim Emelyanychev, Sir Mark Elder, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Sir Donald Runnicles, Gianandrea Noseda, Jennifer Stumm, Thierry Fischer, Philharmonia Orchestra, Bamberger Symphoniker, Ilumina, The Hallé, European Union Youth Orchestra
 
Opera: Malin Byström, Opéra-Comique, Komische Oper Berlin, Scottish Opera, Kirill Serebrennikov, Sir Andrew Davis, James Gaffigan, Saimir Pirgu, Golda Schultz 

 Theatre and Dance: Internationaal Theater Amsterdam, Jack Lowden, Crystal Pite, Grupo Corpo, Aakash Odedra, David Ireland, Vicky Featherstone, Stef Smith, 1927, Eline Arbo, Christiane Jatahy, Scott Silven, Teatro La Plaza 
 
Contemporary Music: Cat Power, Bat for Lashes, Chilly Gonzales, Youssou N’Dour, The Magnetic Fields, The Grit Orchestra, Tirzah, Jordan Rakei, Balimaya Project, Endea Owens, Domo Branch  Celtic Music: Breabach, Mànran, Ceilidh Trail, Cätlin and Marko Mägi, Finlay MacDonald and Ali Hutton, Goitse, VRï  

Scottish companies and ensembles: Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Chorus, National Theatre of Scotland, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Scottish Opera, National Youth Choir of Scotland, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Edinburgh Festival Chorus, Scottish Ballet 

From 2-25 August 2024, Edinburgh International Festival presents a hand-picked selection of leading international and local local artists in the world’s Festival City, with 24 days of world-class opera, dance, music and theatre.  

The 2024 programme comprises 161 performances from over 2000 artists across 42 nations, all joined under the theme,‘Rituals That Unite Us’.

The theme responds to an overwhelming desire for togetherness from artists and audiences following on from 2023’s question ‘Where Do We Go From Here?’.

Reasserting the value of shared experiences, the 2024 International Festival celebrates the practices, traditions and festivities that give us meaning and connect us – as a festival, a city, and as a society.

The second year under Festival Director and Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti, the 2024 programme offers an increased range of innovative and informal audience experiences, designed to create closer union between artists and audiences.  

Audiences can enjoy a virtual reality experience filmed within an orchestra, a site-specific promenade opera and, by popular demand, an expanded programme of beanbag concerts placing the audience among performers to experience music in a unique way.

The programme also features an all-ages family concert, a participatory dance and music work outside The Scottish Parliament, and post-show talks with artists in The Hub, returning with a bigger programme as the International Festival’s home and ‘green room’. This year the venue will be open to the public for informal dining, drop-in rehearsals and Up Late performances.

There is also a deepened commitment to reach the broadest possible audience, with 50% of tickets for the 2024 International Festival to be sold at £30 or under, thousands of free tickets available for young musicians, and £10 Affordable Ticketsavailable for every performance in the 2024 programme.

Year round, the International Festival offers three pathways for people of all ages and backgrounds to make the most of their creative potential and create a growing social impact in Scotland.

Underpinning the 2024 Festival is an ambition to deepen connections with young people, communities and the arts industry, from a youth takeover day and opportunities for emerging talent to a first-time partnership with an Edinburgh community space and pop-up performances in NHS healthcare settings.

Highlights of the programme include:

  • Two world premiere theatre productions from Scottish creatives: The Fifth Step, a thrilling new play written byDavid Ireland,directed by Finn den Hertogand starring BAFTA-nominated Scottish actor Jack Lowden; and the stage adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s bestselling memoir,The Outrun, brought to life by Oliver Award-winning playwright Stef Smith, director Vicky Featherstone and Edinburgh’s producing theatre, The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company.
  • Five extraordinary operas, of which three are staged and two are performed in concert, including Opéra Comique’s production of Bizet’s Carmen with Gaëlle Arquez in the title role; and Komische Oper Berlins production of Mozart’sThe Marriage of Figaro, directed by Kirill Serebrennikov. A new production of Stravinsky’sOedipus Rex by Scottish Opera takes over the National Museum of Scotland, performed in promenade with a 100-strong community chorus from across Scotland. 
  • A two-part opening weekend exploring different ways of telling the same great story, with two distinct interpretations of the Passion: Latin American and Afro-Cuban musical styles mix with contemporary classical expressions in the Scottish premiere of Osvaldo Golijov’s La Pasión según San Marcos, and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, their Chief Conductor Ryan Wigglesworth and the Edinburgh Festival Chorus take on Johann Sebastian Bach’s masterpiece, the St Matthew Passion, in Mendelssohn’s 1841 version. 
     
  • The return of beanbag concerts, inspired by Budapest Festival Orchestra’s founder Iván Fischer’s shows last year, with the audience seated on beanbags to experience classical music in a unique way. A variety of musical performances include family-friendly presentations from European Union Youth Orchestra with Gianandrea Noseda, and Barokksolistene’s The Alehouse Sessions, transforming the Usher Hall into a 17th-century English tavern, complete with sea shanties and folk-favourites.
  • The Opening Event – a large-scale outdoor opening event for 10,000 people evoking the mythology and history of Scotland’s rich heritage, in collaboration with single malt Scotch Whisky, The Macallan, with creative producer Pinwheel. Further details will be announced closer to the event. 
     
  • The Philharmonia Orchestra in residency, including performances of Verdi’s Requiem (conducted by Santtu-Matias Rouvali) and the International Festival’s Closing Concert, Strauss’s Capriccio (conducted by Sir Andrew Davis), with Malin Byström. The Philharmonia also present the UK premiere of Julia Wolfe’s Fire in my Mouth, a multimedia performance conducted by Marin Alsop, with the National Youth Choir of Scotland
     
  • A stellar dance and theatre offering full of UK, European and World Premieres with leading creatives and companies such as Internaational Theater Amsterdam, Crystal Pite, Kidd Pivot, Grupo Corpo, Aakash Odedra, National Theatre of Scotland, Jack Lowden, 1927, Teatro La Plaza, Émilie Monnet, Waira Nina, Christiane Jatahyand more.
  • The Bamberger Symphonikerin residence with conductor Jakub Hrůša for three performances that include works by Brahms, Dvořák and Hans Rott, and a family-friendly explainer event, Beyond the Score, taking a deep dive into Dvořák’s New World Symphony.
     
  • A final residency with Ilumina, the São Paulo-based artist collective founded by violinist Jennifer Stumm. Known for their model of 21st century creativity and artist-led advancement of diverse talent, their first visit to the International Festival sees them give two concerts with the audience seated on beanbags and two performances in The Hub. 
     
  • Projects which go beyond the performances on stage with an ambition to create a growing social impact in Scotland through the performing arts, include: a first-time Community Connections Hub, inviting audiences to experience the Philharmonia Orchestra in Virtual Reality within their own community space; Culture Clubs bringing together community groups to explore ‘Rituals that Unite Us’ through a shared meal and performance; pop-up performances in NHS healthcare settings; a Youth Takeover Dayfor senior pupils in Edinburgh schools; and schools performances and workshops across music, opera, theatre and dance for secondary school pupils.
  • A contemporary music programme including gifted singer-songwriter Cat Power; indie-pop sensation Bat for Lashes; polymath composer and piano personality Chilly Gonzales;beloved orchestral-pop group The Magnetic Fields; one of the most famous voices in African music, Youssou N’Dour; the mighty 80-piece contemporary Scottish GRIT Orchestra; South London electronic singer-songwriter Tirzah; a blend of West African folkloric music, the sounds of Black London and the London jazz scene with Balimaya Project; and a signature mix of electronic and soul from New Zealand-born Jordan Rakei.
     
  • Leading soloists include Dame Sarah Connolly, Yuja Wang, Golda Schultz, Alison Balsom, Hilary Hahn, Jakub Józef Orliński, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Ian Bostridge, Steven Osborne and more. 
     
  • The Hub, the International Festival’s HQ on the Royal Mile, is once again home to the most intimate performances and discussions from virtuosic musicians sharing their respective culture, traditions and rituals through music and instrumentation. A programme of leading Celtic musicians includes Irish quintet Goitse, an International Festival debut from Welsh folk band VRï and the 25th anniversary of Fèis Rois’ Ceilidh Trail. Further across the globe, innovative musicians from Brazil, China, America, Egypt, Kyrgyzstan, Indonesia, West Africa and India come to Edinburgh in a truly international programme. 

As part of the International Festival’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, the 2024 programme includes 25 accessible performances, including ten audio described performances, five BSL interpreted performances, and nine captioned performances.

The concession ticket for D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people is increased from 30% to 50% off all full price tickets, with options for a free essential companion ticket still available where required.

The types of accessible seating options held for members of the free Access Pass initiative has also been expanded to include aisle seats and seats with additional leg room, across all Festival venues. 

General booking for the 2024 International Festival opens on Thursday 21 March, with tickets currently on-sale to Members and supporters.

Nicola Benedetti, Festival Director, Edinburgh International Festival said: “As we join forces with the world’s greatest artists and bring them here to Edinburgh, we do so with a deeper dedication to our audience.

“This year the Edinburgh International Festival inaugurates new and reimagined rituals, honouring tradition and innovation, to bind us closer together. We invite you to seek and gather with us this August – there is always something new to discover.” 

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “It’s fantastic to see the 2024 programme for the Edinburgh International Festival. This promises to be a unique and exciting chapter in the Festival’s rich history with over 2000 of the world’s extraordinary artists performing here this August.”

“It’s particularly encouraging to see initiatives such as making free tickets available for young musicians, and £10 Tickets available for all performances.

“Given we are in the midst of a challenging cost of living crisis and our festivals have a key role in providing us all with opportunities to enjoy exceptional and entertaining experiences, these will hopefully contribute towards the goal of choice and access for everyone in our city.

“The International Festival is an integral part of the Capital’s cultural calendar and as a Council we’re proud to support it.” 

Kaukab Stewart, Scottish Government Minister for Culture and International Development, said“As we raise the curtain on another Edinburgh International Festival, we’re reminded of the power of art to unite and inspire us all. 

“More than 2,000 artists from 42 countries will exhibit their talents, and these extraordinary performances from a diverse range of cultures and traditions reaffirms Scotland’s place as the perfect stage to host major events.
 
“As the new Minister for Culture, I’m proud to welcome the world to Scotland for the International Festival, and I’m looking forward to enjoying an abundance of exceptional entertainment taking place on our doorstep.” 

Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson said: “For more than three quarters of a century, the Edinburgh International Festival has provided a platform for the world-class music and performing arts we are so proud to have in this country, as well as for brilliant artists and musicians from across the globe. 

“The millions of people who flock to Edinburgh to enjoy and take part in it each year enrich our lives and fuel our shared economy. That’s why the UK Government is so proud to support it.

“The arts have a unique power to bring us together, and to help us see the world through others’ eyes. I’m delighted that, this year, the International Festival will focus on the rituals that unite us – and look forward to seeing the diverse and dynamic work that theme inspires.” 
 
Iain MunroChief ExecutiveCreative Scotland said: Nicola Benedetti continues to drive the Edinburgh International Festival programme forward in her second year as Director with another inspired artistic offering.

“This year’s thematic focus on unity and togetherness provides opportunities to blur the lines between artist and audience, promoting connection and communal experience in our increasingly divided world.

“The International Festival continues to earn its reputation as a shining light in the global cultural calendar by uniting people through great art.” 

Further programme information by genre: 

Classical Music 

Edinburgh International Festival welcomes the world’s top orchestras and musicians for 22 spectacular symphonic concerts at Usher Hall and 19 intimate morning recitals at The Queen’s Hall. The symphonic concert series revolves around residencies from three outstanding orchestras and ensembles. 

Offering unique perspectives on how we experience a contemporary symphony orchestra, these residencies allow for a more profound engagement with Edinburgh communities, from primary school pupils to emerging artists, extending the orchestra’s presence beyond Usher Hall.

This approach also lowers the environmental footprint for each performance by the visiting artists. 

20,000 more young people to access new and renovated youth clubs – in England

Young people in England set to benefit from 140 new or refurbished youth centres thanks to latest funding round from the UK Government’s Youth Investment Fund of £90 million

  • Nearly 20,000 more young people will have access to dance, drama and sport as part of the Government’s latest investment in youth services
  • 140 more youth centres to be built or refurbished backed by over £90 million from the Youth Investment Fund 
  • Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer officially opens The Chichester Shed – the first new build youth centre funded by the Youth Investment Fund 

Young people in villages, towns and cities across England are set to benefit from 140 new or refurbished youth centres thanks to the largest funding round to date from the Government’s Youth Investment Fund. 

Totalling more than £90 million, funding announced today (3 February) will support nearly 20,000 more young people per year to access new state of the art facilities such as workshop spaces, sports halls, art rooms, recording studios and skateparks. 

Activities ranging from dance, drama and music to sport, horticulture and employment skills development will be on offer, giving young people access to opportunities that broaden their horizons. 

Today also marks a major milestone with the very first new build youth centre funded by the Youth Investment Fund opening its doors.

Located in a deprived area with high levels of antisocial behaviour, The Chichester Shed has used a grant of over £420,000 to build a brand new space to support more than 120 young people. The open access service will provide a space to relax and learn new skills, with activities including woodworking, yoga and skateboarding available.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “I want to see every young person have someone to talk to, something to do, and somewhere to go outside of the classroom, no matter where they are from, to help maximise their potential in life. 

“This next round of funding from the Youth Investment Fund will help nearly 20,000 more young people achieve this goal. 

“We have now committed to building or refurbishing over 220 projects in some of the country’s most underserved areas, creating more opportunities for young people to gain the skills needed to succeed in life and stopping them from falling through the cracks.” 

The Youth Investment Fund has now allocated £250 million of its more than £300 million budget to services in areas of the country where need is high and provision is low. 

It will engage young people most in need, including those that might have otherwise been at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour or falling out of education, training or employment.  

This is the latest announcement that forms part of the Government’s ambition to make sure young people are supported with positive and engaging opportunities both in and outside of school hours.

Clare de Bathe, CEO of Chichester Community Development Trust said: “The Chichester Shed will provide an informal, dynamic and versatile space where young people can connect, learn and experience new activities.

“The space will be a haven for all ages and backgrounds to use throughout the school day and holidays, including intergenerational activities where boundaries can be broken down as well as adult education sessions and group workshops delivered. 

“The funding has enabled the project ideas to be brought to a reality and we cannot wait to open the doors.”

Examples of other youth centres receiving grants in this funding round include:

  • Bodies in Motion, Pendle – a combined grant of over £1.4 million will pay for the refurbishment of Orchid House Gym with new changing facilities and equipment, supporting 290 additional young people a week. The Garden Project will create a community-focused garden and greenhouse facility, engaging an additional 400 young people through therapeutic horticultural activities to promote a sense of wellbeing.
  • Youth Options, Southampton – a new community café and training centre, backed by £1.2 million investment, will provide a safe haven for nearly 100 additional young people a week in a disadvantaged part of the city.The café will offer training in catering and hospitality, and will be targeted at those not in education, employment, and training, while the indoor space will be transformed to create new activity space and a counselling room.
  • Positive Futures, Liverpool – The Positive Futures hub will be expanded to provide a sensory room, music rooms, art space, large sports hall and virtual reality spaces to support 250 additional young people a week. 
  • Tinside Cove and Lido, Plymouth – two listed buildings at the Tinside Lido will be renovated to  provide space for nearly 300 more young people a week to benefit from new training and educational programmes, while the lido will be used for swimming, snorkelling, diving and life-saving classes. 
  • Weymouth West Air Scouts, Weymouth – The Scouts building will be refurbished with a new shower room, extended kitchen and three breakout rooms, doubling the building’s size and enabling them to run multiple activities at the same time. The project will support nearly 80 more young people a week. 

Nick Temple, CEO of Social Investment Business said: “The Youth Investment Fund is transforming the youth service landscape right across the country, enabling youth centres of all shapes and sizes to enhance their services and reach more young people. 

I”t’s very exciting to see the first Youth Investment Fund newbuild open its doors to Chichester’s young people today. Before securing the funding, these young people had nowhere safe to go, and nothing to do after school.  

“Young people now have a brand-new youth centre, inspired by their ideas and needs, giving them every opportunity to thrive and discover their passions. The Youth Investment Fund is truly unlocking potential and creating a legacy for future generations of young people in communities like this across the country.”

Denise Hatton, Chair of Back Youth Alliance said:  “We are delighted that nearly 20,000 young people will be able to access new and refurbished youth clubs through the latest instalment of the National Youth Guarantee.

“With mental health, loneliness and anti-social behaviour all on the rise, now more than ever young people need a safe space to go, a trusted adult to speak to and access to positive activities in their communities all year round. 

Ruth Marvel, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), said: “This multi million-pound investment is so much more than skateparks, sports halls and art rooms. It’s an investment in the resilience, confidence and independence of young people, which thanks to the on-going impact of a pandemic and cost of living crisis, has never been more needed.

“We at the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award know first-hand that when you invest in young people, there is no limit to what they can achieve. The government’s National Youth Guarantee has brought the DofE to thousands of young people in England for the first time, breaking down barriers and providing life-shaping activities and volunteering opportunities.”

Today’s announcement forms the latest part of the Government’s ‘National Youth Guarantee’, that will ensure every young person aged 11-18 in England has access to regular clubs and activities, adventures away from home, and volunteering opportunities by 2025, backed by an investment of over £500 million. 

The National Youth Guarantee will provide greater access to activities such as The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and the National Citizen Service, and uniformed youth groups such as Scouts, Girlguiding, and Cadets.

To further support giving young people the best start in life, in September 2023 the Government announced the opening of the second phase of the £19 million Million Hours Fund, designed to create more than one million additional hours of youth centre provision in areas with high numbers of antisocial behaviour incidents.

Some good news for youth work facilities south of the border then, but here in North Edinburgh the future for children and families provision is looking far from positive. MORE ON THAT NEXT WEEK …

Scottish dancers to defend UK Titles at Blackpool competition

A group of young dancers from one of Scotland’s highest-regarded dance performance schools will travel to Blackpool next weekend to take part in a major UK and Ireland competition.

Pupils and instructors from Edinburgh Dance Academy (EDA) will participate in the prestigious three-day Dance Inspirations event being held in the Northwest England town where they will be defending titles won at last year’s competition.

In 2023, EDA was named as the Highest Ranked Dance Studio in the UK and Ireland for the second year running at the event with several of the school’s dancers also picking up accolades for their performances.

This included being awarded as Overall Winner for their contemporary piece “Shout” by Empara Mi with the EDA team taking home £1000 in prize money for their table-topping routine.

EDA instructor Jenni Inglis also won the Most Inspirational Choreography award in 2023 for the second year in a row while dancer Kiera Anderson was handed top prize for the Most Dedication, Passion and Talent award category.

The Dance Inspirations competition is set to feature more than 300 top level dance routines. These were selected from a total of 3000 acts from over 100 dance schools across the UK and Ireland which competed in regional heats ahead of this weekend’s final.

Julie Mitchell, Principal and Founder at EDA, said: “We are so proud of what Jenni and our fantastic dancers achieved in Blackpool last year and we look forward to once again taking part in this extremely competitive event.

“While we are expecting an even higher level of competition from this year’s participants, we will do our best to bring further dance honours back to Scotland.”

Megahertz and FERAL on the hunt for local Dance Heroes for a spectacular live community performance

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN (CLOSING 16 FEB)

Megahertz and FERAL are calling all bedroom Breakdancers, Flamenco fanatics and Samba superstars to take part in STRUT: Greater Craigmillar for two local live performances on Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st March 2024.

In collaboration with acclaimed visual theatre and scenography company  Megahertz and Lyra, who make world-class performances and creative projects for, by and with children and teenagers, STRUT comes to Edinburgh for the very first time, reclaiming the streets of Craigmillar and filling them with joyful movement. 

We’re looking for five local dancers to perform their own 2 minute routine along the streets of Craigmillar as part of a night time performance parade over two evenings in late March.

Applicants can live or have grown up in Greater Craigmillar, work there or have family or friends in the area.

This paid opportunity is open to all, whether you’re a pro performer or your first time in front of an audience. Any and all dance styles are encouraged.

STRUT has previously taken place across Glasgow, Paisley and Aberdeen, with upcoming performances set for Cumbernauld, Dumbarton, Inverclyde and Dumfries and Galloway.

Past STRUTs have included a delightful mix of Bhangra, Salsa, Romani, Hip-Hop, Afrobeats, Northern Soul and Contemporary dance with many other dance styles yet to be explored.

STRUT performances are rooted in the community with familiar faces taking to the streets to celebrate dance in the local area.

Dramatic lighting, catchy beats and stunning projections enveloping everyday buildings form the perfect backdrop for the neighbourhood to watch the STRUT procession. Snug behind windows or gathered on the pavement, it’s the ultimate ‘Are ya dancing? Are ya askin’?’.

Bex Anson and Dav Bernard, founders of Megahertz said: “We are so excited to meet Greater Craigmillar’s freshest dance stars and celebrate them and their communities. We’ve been wanting to bring STRUT to the area for some time and can’t wait to see these streets alive with dance.”

To apply, please send a video (2 minutes max) of yourself dancing to info@m-hz.co.uk or over WhatsApp to 07721853915. More information is available at www.m-hz.co.uk/strut-craigmillar.

Applications close on Friday 16 February 2024.

Successful applicants will receive £750 for their involvement and must be able to commit to a 2 hour rehearsal (on either Sun 10th or Sat 16th March), a full day group rehearsal on Sun 17th March 2024 and 2 show days on Wed 20th and Thurs 21st March 2024.

STRUT: Greater Craigmillar is delivered in association with Lyra and Feral and is funded by Creative Scotland’s Touring Fund for Theatre & Dance.

FERAL and Megahertz also present RUINS, a highly visual dance show exploring togetherness across species, at Cumbernauld Theatre at Lanternhouse on 2 February, 7.30pm, and at The Studio, Festival Theatre Edinburgh as part of Manipulate Festival on 11 February, 6pm.

ARTS & CULTURE CASH CRISIS

Update on Creative Scotland Budget 2023/24

Creative Scotland recently made a submission to the Scottish Parliament Culture Committee’s ongoing inquiry into culture budgets in Scotland – read the submission on the Scottish Parliament website

In that submission, we stated the following regarding our Grant in Aid budget from the Scottish Government for 2023/24:

“While we welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision in February 2023 to reverse the 10% cut to our Grant in Aid Budget which was originally announced in December 2022, it should be noted that the £6.6m this cut related to has not yet been confirmed in Creative Scotland’s budget.”

We are extremely disappointed to report that the £6.6m budget has not been included in the Autumn Budget Revisions.

This has been confirmed in writing by the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Angus Robertson, in a letter to our Chief Executive, Iain Munro on 20 September.

This relates to Grant-in Aid funding that we receive from the Scottish Government and that we use to support 119 cultural organisations across Scotland through Regular Funding.

Given the extensive messaging and advocacy regarding the pressures on culture budgets and risks to the culture sector that we, and many others have been making, this is a concerning development.

To address this reduction, the Creative Scotland Board agreed on 27 September, to use £6.6m of our National Lottery reserves to prevent us having to pass it on to the Regularly Funded Organisations, especially given the next payments are due in 2 weeks’ time.

Whilst the unprecedented pressures on public finances are understood, we are disappointed that the Scottish Government has taken this decision. However, Creative Scotland is acting swiftly and pragmatically to help stabilise the situation in the short term.

This step of using our National Lottery reserves in this way will only happen once.  The budget for 2024/25 will not be decided by the Scottish Government for some months yet but should the Scottish Government choose to sustain this reduction, we will require to pass it on to the sector.

Creative Scotland appeared before the Culture Committee at the Scottish Parliament on yesterday (Thursday 28 September) to give evidence as part of the Committee’s ongoing inquiry into culture budgets in Scotland.

David Watt, chief executive of Culture & Business Scotland, said: “At a time when Scottish Government ministers repeatedly speak about the importance and value of culture to our society and economy, the reinstatement of the £6.6M cut to Creative Scotland’s annual budget for the current year is unfathomable.

““Just yesterday (Thursday September 28), I, alongside other cultural representatives, gave budget evidence to the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee to hopefully ensure that this shortsighted budget decision does not extend into the 2024-25 budget for culture settlement.

“Investment in culture is essential for society, local communities, tourism, the economy and Scotland’s international reputation. The ongoing challenges of the legacy impact of Covid, Brexit and the cost-of-living crisis, are very real, with many arts and culture organisations operating on a knifes edge.

“These issues are exacerbated as the majority have a lack of unrestricted reserves and continue to struggle to build these up due to slow growth in ticket sales and increased overheads due to high energy prices.

“A reduction in public funding will rapidly increase the firefighting our culture organisations and venues are facing against challenge after challenge. If this budget pattern continues, with little opportunity to ensure future sustainability, there will be an inevitable shrinkage of the culture sector, and the economic and social impact of this will be significant for us all.”

As part of the Autumn budget review, the Scottish Government has re-instated a 10% cut to Creative Scotland’s 2023-24 annual budget (totaling approximately £6.6m), which following mass campaigning from the cultural sector, was overturned earlier this year (writes SMIA Interim CEO and Creative Director ROBIN KILPATRICK).

As the organisation which exists to strengthen, empower and unite Scotland’s music industry – representing a diverse membership of over 4,000 people working across all music genres and industry subsectors – we’re compelled to highlight the devastating impact of this decision; not just to music and culture, but to Scottish society at large.

The cut directly relates to the funding allocated to support Creative Scotland’s Regular Funding Network, comprising 119 cross-artform organisations (RFOs) that are structurally integral to both supporting and delivering Scotland’s cultural output. The SMIA is one of them.

In the short-term (for the rest of this financial year), Creative Scotland has had to divert to utilising National Lottery reserves to plug the gap and prevent the cuts from being passed on to members of the RFO network.

If this hadn’t been the case, in two weeks’ time when the next RFO funding payments are due, each of the 119 organisations would, in effect, have received a ~40% cut to projected funding.

In the SMIA’s case, this would have been two weeks ahead of the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award Ceremony, and would have put the delivery of Scotland’s national music prize at significant risk.

The cut would have again been replicated in January at the next (and final) RFO payment for this financial year, which in the case of many organisations, would have meant the end. Whilst immediate disaster has been avoided, the use of Creative Scotland reserves at this stage means that they are now significantly depleted for what was their intended purpose.

Last month, Creative Scotland highlighted that over 500 cultural organisations stated their intention to apply for Multi-year funding; a new funding scheme that will replace the current Regular Funding one. From the intentions to apply, the indicative annual request was in excess of £113m – far exceeding what Creative Scotland expects to have available.

Inevitably, this means that Creative Scotland will not be able to support as many organisations on a multi-year basis as they currently do, and the application process will be highly competitive. Causalities are expected and imminent. Cultural organisations across all art forms are worried about their future, and the reserves that Creative Scotland has had to use now means that there’s far less available transitional funding for unsuccessful applicants.

Whilst the future for Scottish culture was looking bleak, there was at least some hope that organisations that are unsuccessful in securing Multi-year Funding would have some time to remain operational, pivot their business model and potentially find an alternative way forward. With Creative Scotland’s reserves now depleted, many unsuccessful organisations will soon vanish from the fabric of our cultural landscape, and with them, many creative opportunities and a significant part of our cultural identity as we know it today.

RFOs have been on stand-still funding since 2018. In the face of high inflation, rising interest rates, cost of living challenges, issues around staff retention and recruitment, the impact of Brexit, the legacy of Covid and a whole myriad of broader problems currently facing our sector, for Creative Scotland’s budget cut to have been re-instated, the future of music and culture in Scotland is now at significant and immediate risk. The foundations upon which it supported are being eroded at an increasingly alarming rate, and unless intervention is made by the Scottish Government, it will have impacts for decades to come.

Outwith the significant economic contribution that music makes to Scotland’s economy (£581m through music tourism alone in 2022, as noted in UK Music’s ‘Here, There And Everywhere’ report – and this is only based on events with 1500+ capacity), it’s important to remember that the value generated by the sector far extends an economic one.

With the Scottish Government has stated that they’re committed to building a well-being economy – which serves and prioritises the collective well-being of current and future generations – it’s fundamental to highlight just how intrinsic music and culture are to achieving that vision.

Culture is our identity; it’s how we see ourselves, how we see our place in the world and how we relate to others. It’s the stories of life in Scotland, and it underpins mental well-being – both collectively and individually – in many different ways. The silences that echoed across 2020 as live music vanished from our lives serve as a firm reminder of this. Unless intervention is made now, we’ll be lucky if there are whispers in the years to come.

We urge the Scottish Government to recognise the desperate situation of a vitally important sector; economically, socially and culturally. It’s essential that Creative Scotland has the resources to both support and preserve it.

You can help directly by signing the Campaign For The Artist Petition against this move.”

Robert Kilpatrick – Interim CEO and Creative Director, Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA)

CAMPAIGN FOR THE ARTS

The Scottish Government is breaking its promise on arts funding.

In February, thousands joined our campaign against plans for a £6.6 million cut to Creative Scotland, the public body responsible for investing in Scottish arts and culture. Ministers responded by abandoning the cut and instead heralded a “£6.6 million uplift … supporting the arts and cultural sector at this challenging time”.

But seven months on, the £6.6 million pledged to Creative Scotland hasn’t been delivered. And now the Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has told them that it won’t be.

This extraordinary short-changing of Scottish culture midway through the year has forced Creative Scotland to raid its limited reserves as a one-off, emergency measure. Otherwise, regularly funded arts organisations in Scotland would have seen their funding cut by as much as 40% as soon as next month.

This is absolutely no way to treat Scotland’s arts and culture, let alone in a perfect storm of economic pressures and post-pandemic challenges. This ‘U-turn on a U-turn’ puts treasured venues and companies, thousands of jobs and access to Scottish culture at risk.

We urge the Culture Secretary Angus Robertson to:

  1. Honour the Scottish Government’s commitment in February to provide “an uplift of £6.6 million for Creative Scotland for 2023-24″.
  2. Scrap any proposal to cut Creative Scotland funding from the 2023-24 Autumn Budget Revision.
  3. Commit to maintaining and increasing investment in arts and culture from 2024-5, for the benefit of everybody in Scotland.

The SNP’s 2021 manifesto said “culture is central to who we are as a nation”, and that “the pandemic has demonstrated more than ever how vital it is to our wellbeing, mental health and sense of belonging”.5

But Scotland’s cultural sector has not fully recovered from the pandemic, during which it was one of the hardest-hit sectors. For many, incomes have fallen and reserves have dried up. Now, in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, costs are rising and uncertainty is rife. This is not the time to cut vital, core funding on which artists and organisations depend.

Economic pressures have already led to the permanent closure of the Filmhouse cinemas in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, the Blue Arrow Jazz Club in Glasgow and the Nevis Ensemble, which worked across the country. We cannot afford to lose any more arts organisations – or the benefits they bring to our lives, communities and society

Creative Scotland’s 120 Regularly Funded Organisations (RFOs) directly employ 5,000 workers, support 25,500 individual artists and provide millions of opportunities for people across Scotland to engage with the arts and culture.

Of these, Edinburgh-based arts organisations include:

(OrganisationArt form – Average annual grant )

Arika – Multi – £200,000

Arts and Business Scotland – Creative Industries – £200,000

Centre for the Moving Image – Screen – £1,066,667

Collective – Visual Arts – £283,333

Craft Scotland – Craft – £333,333

Creative Carbon Scotland – Creative Industries – £150,000

Creative Edinburgh – Creative Industries – £94,667

Curious Seed – Dance – £132,318

Dance Base – Dance – £408,333

Drake Music Scotland – Music – £126,667

Dunedin Consort – Music – £100,000

Edinburgh Art Festival – Visual Arts – £100,000

Edinburgh International Book Festival – Literature – £306,500

Edinburgh International Festival Society – Multi – £2,317,333

Edinburgh Printmakers – Visual Arts – £160,000

Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop – Visual Arts – £233,333

Federation of Scottish Theatre – Theatre – £265,000

Fruitmarket Gallery – Visual Arts – £666,667

Grid Iron Theatre Company – Theatre – £224,400

Imaginate – Theatre – £365,000

Luminate – Multi – £100,000

Lung Ha Theatre Company – Theatre – £146,818

Lyra – Theatre – £100,000

Magnetic North Theatre Productions – Theatre – £100,000

Publishing Scotland – Literature – £307,833

Puppet Animation Scotland – Theatre – £183,667

Red Note Ensemble – Music – £215,000

Regional Screen Scotland – Screen – £206,783

Royal Lyceum Theatre Company – Theatre – £1,210,000

Scottish Book Trust – Literature – £859,931

Scottish National Jazz Orchestra – Music – £216,667

Scottish Poetry Library – Literature – £300,833

Starcatchers Production – Theatre – £100,000

Stellar Quines Theatre Company – Theatre – £176,000

Stills: Centre for Photography – Visual Arts – £147,000

Tinderbox Collective – Music – £100,000

Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland – Multi – £313,333

Travelling Gallery – Visual Arts – £126,667

Traverse Theatre – Theatre – £866,667

Voluntary Arts Scotland – Multi – £130,000

Youth Theatre Arts Scotland – Theatre – £133,333.

SIGN THE PETITION:

https://campaignforthearts.org/petitions/scotland-cuts-reimposed/

Edinburgh dancers cast in international production of Romeo and Juliet

Three former EDA pupils return to Edinburgh for UK tour of Romeo and Juliet

Three aspiring Edinburgh dancers who landed dream roles with the internationally-renowned New Adventures Dance Company are back in the capital this week as cast members of the group’s production of Romeo & Juliet.

The local performers, Rory McLeod, Carla Contini, and Leonardo McCorkindale, all former pupils of leading dance school Edinburgh Dance Academy (EDA), are performing in the Scottish capital this week as part of the show’s international tour.

The Scottish trio have all been recruited by the iconic and ground-breaking New Adventures, set up by one of Britian’s most innovative choreographers, Sir Matthew Bourne.

22-year-old Rory joined the company in 2021 after attending Laine Theatre Arts dance school in Surrey and made his cameo appearance in New Adventure’s Nutcracker! in April last year.

Meanwhile, Leonardo, aged 20, and Carla (19) were taken on by the company earlier this year after graduating from Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in Hertfordshire. Their performance in Romeo and Juliet, which is currently on a UK tour before moving on to Europe and the US early next year, marks their New Adventures debut.

New Adventures has received numerous international awards and has won six Olivier Awards which recognise excellence in London’s professional theatre circuit. The company’s repertoire has inspired and thrilled millions of people worldwide.

During their five-day at the Festival Theatre, the three Edinburgh dancers were reunited with EDA’s Julie Mitchell and Jenny Inglis, both of whom were former dance teachers to the trio while they were growing up in the city.

Julie Mitchell said: “We are so delighted with the progress of our three former pupils, who are now part of this international production being staged by one of the world’s leading dance companies.

“While Rory, Carla, and Leonardo all developed their dance talent as youngsters, it has been their drive and commitment that has led them to becoming part of Matthew Bourne’s prestigious New Adventures company.

“We’ve very proud of all three and we wish them every success with their careers going forward.” 

MGA Academy celebrates next generation of stars

Brand new multi-million pound campus in Livingston opens its doors 

ONE of Scotland’s largest centres of performing arts is putting its best foot forward as it ushers in the new era of students with the opening of its brand new campus.  

The purpose-built 30,000 sq ft campus in Livingston will see MGA Academy of Performing Arts to triple its student intake to more than 500, extend its educational programme to 11 BA degrees, and two post-graduate Masters degrees, and house 18 state of the art studios. 

The new campus based in the former tax office in Almondvale, Livingston, received a multi-million pound investment and will feature Scotland’s largest sprung dance floor which spans 347 sq ft. 

Established in 2005 to address a demand for an innovative performing arts academy outside of London, has produced a wealth of talented graduates who have appeared in studios, on stage and on screen in major productions. 

Giles Auckland Lewis, Chief Executive of The MGA Academy, said: “It’s a very exciting time for the academy as we open the doors of our brand new campus. There has been a great buzz with new and returning students as they explore all the exceptional facilities.

“Being part of this chapter of the academy’s story has been incredibly rewarding, and as we’re now located almost exactly half way between Edinburgh and Glasgow it’s much more convenient for students and staff.  

“We’ve worked hard to ensure the new campus can offer our talented students to advance their skills in singing, dancing and acting and become the stars we know they are.”  

Included in the new campus is seven rehearsal studios for acting and musical theatre, seven fully sprung dance studios, four singing rooms and a TV production suite. Other features include a student welfare and physiotherapy room, a learning resource centre and library, IT suites, study areas and a cafe and social areas, as well as 130 parking spaces. 

The MGA Academy campus in Balgreen will remain part of the academy’s footprint becoming a hub for junior age groups.  

Mr Auckland-Lewis added: “The new campus in Livingston is truly state of the art, we’re in a great position to continue to develop our reputation as a leading international competitor to the world’s most successful arts education institutions. 

“The platform we’re providing for aspiring performers allows them to remain in Scotland while studying at a level equivalent to other prestigious UK colleges. We also now have the ability to attract even more students and world class tutors from across the world.” 

The MGA Academy is approved by the Scottish Qualifications Agency, the Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance, and is Scotland’s only fully accredited college with the UK’s Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre. 

Graduates from The MGA Academy have gone on to star in West End and TV productions such as Gossip Girl, Wicked, Frozen the Musical and Shrek the Musical.  

Learn more about The MGA Academy and how to enrol for courses here: 

https://www.themgaacademy.com/ 

Dance Base hosts international Artistic Development Week

Dance Base Scotland and Edinburgh International Festival have announced the 24 dance artists taking part in an Artistic Development Week this month.

Hailing from across Scotland and eight African countries, the dancers will come together at Dance Base in Edinburgh to connect, collaborate, and network with their international peers. Expertise in dance disciplines range from contemporary to hip-hop, Bhuto, to Indian classical dance.

Supported by the British Council, the development programme will take place in the run-up to the significant performance of Pina Bausch’s The Rite of Spring / common ground[s] in August.

A highlight of the Edinburgh International Festival, the performance marks the first collaboration between the Pina Bausch Foundation (Germany), École des Sables (Senegal) and Sadler’s Wells (UK).

The artistic development week will be led by Artistic Director of Dance Base, Tony Mills and will focus on daily classes and work in small groups where the participants can take part in reflections and conversations with a focus on creation and artistic devising.

The aim of the project is for the Scottish and international artists to connect and share practice, opening themselves to new techniques and creative approaches. They will have the opportunity to network with national and international peers and to create work together.

Amy Robertson, a dance artist from Edinburgh and one of the twelve Scottish participants is delighted to be involved in the international festival. She said: “Learning and sharing practice on international platforms is such a valuable part of our development and I’m really looking forward to all that comes out of this week.

“With a lot of work being made in smaller constellations of artists, working with 12 colleagues from across Scotland and artists from wider international communities is sure to be a rich and valuable experience for all involved.”

Also from Scotland, dance artist Suzi Cunningham adds: “This is an incredible opportunity to connect people from across continents and to learn from the artistry and passion of others.

“I am extremely excited about making new connections and having this opportunity to truly dance without limitations, and in ways I don’t allow myself or don’t usually seek out in my practice”.

Speaking ahead of the development week, Tony Mills, Artistic Director for Dance Base said about the collaboration: “We are beyond excited to be able to host 24 artists from Scotland and across Africa as part of a collaboration with Edinburgh International Festival and their professional artist development programme.

“Dancers who will be performing as part of the Ecole des Sables & Sadler’s Wells production of the Rite of Spring, will meet and connect with a range of Scottish dance artists to share practice and build relationships for one week.

“This is a unique moment that will be taking place under our roof at Dance Base. In Scotland, it is a rare occasion when this many professional independent dance artists can get together and get busy. I want to say a huge thanks to EIF for trusting us as collaborators. I personally cannot wait to get stuck in!”

Roy Luxford, Creative Director, Edinburgh International Festival added: “The International Festival at its core promotes the exchange of ideas to deepen understanding between cultures through performance.

“Creating this platform of exchange between Scottish professionals and dancers from The Rite of Spring company is a special Festival moment, and together with our partners the British Council and Dance Base we can continue our commitment to artistic exchange and development.

“I look forward to this exciting week at Dance Base ahead of the performances of The Rite of Spring/ common ground[s] at The Playhouse Theatre this August”.  

Speaking about the artistic development week, Norah Campbell from British Council Scotland concluded: “Building platforms for international connection is at the heart of what we do at the British Council, and we’re delighted to help bring these amazing dance artists together – putting a spotlight on local and global talent, helping them all to reach new, international audiences.

“I’ve no doubt the experience will spark new ideas and will allow all the artists to build strong networks for the future.”

Popular performing arts summer school back with a bang

Summer of fun promises to foster the next generation of performers

AN ESTEEMED performing arts school in the heart of the capital is geared up to welcome budding young performers to its summer programmes.

The MGA Academy of Performing Arts has launched two summer schools that will run this summer, aimed at inspiring young talents, and offering an insight into life at the school.

A Week in the Life will give budding young talent a first-hand insight into the daily routine of a student at MGA, providing a genuine taste of the challenges and rewards of being a full-time student.

Designed for ages 13 and above, the programme offers a comprehensive five-day journey, mirroring the intense schedule of a full-time student in acting, musical theatre, or dance.

On the other hand, specially tailored for children aged between 7-14, Once Upon a Fairy tale will be an action-packed week of musical theatre, acting and dance training.

Marcella Macdonald, Principal of The MGA Academy, said: “Our summer schools are always very popular, so we’re really excited to launch these two exclusive opportunities.

“A Week in the Life is exactly what it says on the tin – the perfect chance to experience the training that our full-time students receive on their way to achieving a degree with us, giving a real insight to life at the Academy.

“Once Upon a Fairytale is aimed at slightly younger children and is an exciting journey into classic stories like Shrek, Descendants, Enchanted and more. It promises to be a magical week.

“We’re lucky to work with vastly experienced performers and tutors who are experts in their field. Our summer schools are a golden opportunity for those looking to get a taste of the industry.

“Not only will applicants benefit from the high-quality teaching and confidence building skills, but they can also get a real taste of MGA student life before making a full-time commitment.”

Applications are open to performers of all levels, who will learn invaluable techniques and skills from the academy while also honing their confidence, with many a long-lasting friendship having originated at these events.

Once Upon a Fairytale runs from Monday 31 July to Friday 04 August. A Week in the Life runs the following week from Monday 07 August to Friday 11 August. Both will be held in the academy’s Balgreen campus, ahead of the new Livingston campus opening in September.

Marcella added: “Our summer schools provide an immersive and unforgettable experience, fostering a lifelong love for dance and empowering participants to shine on and off the stage.

“The programmes are a testament to our commitment in providing opportunity for performers in Scotland. The places are likely to get snapped up fast, so make sure to get your applications in!”

The MGA Academy is Scotland’s only fully accredited performing arts college, holding Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), Council of Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT) and Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance (ISTD) certifications.

Based in Balgreen, the academy’s mission is to provide a platform for aspiring performers to remain in Scotland while studying at a level equivalent to prestigious London colleges. The academy is set to expand its footprint, with a new multi-million pound campus in Livingston opening in September 2023.

Learn more about The MGA Academy and how to enrol for courses here: 

https://www.themgaacademy.com/

A different kind of Friday night out

Looking for an alternative Friday night out?

The Bongo Club are hosting an evening of yoga, dance and music with Dee McQueen Yoga – Breath & Movement.

Join them for DUSK, where you can experience a new wellness movement. Move your body through a glorious yoga practice to a DJ, reclaim the dancefloor, and still be home in time to pop your feet up on the sofa and get up early the next day. Or if you’re really feeling it, you could continue to party the night away!

📆 Friday 16th June

⏰ 7pm

📍The Bongo Club | 66 Cowgate | Edinburgh

Find out all about it on The Bongo Club website. ↩

➡thebongoclub.co.uk/event/dusk/