Tag: Creative Scotland

Famous last words: new album reimages iconic final moments from Scottish fiction

Project takes inspiration from the country’s most loved storytellers

The famous last lines of iconic Scottish texts Sunset Song, Lanark, Peter Pan and Treasure Island are to feature alongside the song from the last page of Jackie Kay’s The Pink House and Kirsty Campbell’s joyful farewell in Ely Percy’s Duck Feet in an intriguing new collaboration between composer, singer-songwriter Gareth Williams and an array of Scottish fiction luminaries. 

In Songs from the Last Page, Williams is drawing directly from the final moments of some of Scotland’s most influential and much-loved works of fiction, and inspiring readers of all ages to re-engage with their favourite stories reimagined through music – a 12-track pop/classical album and Scottish tour. 

Williams comments: “This new suite of songs for voice, piano and string duo captures the moment a reader finishes the last lines of a book and holds on to this feeling for just a few more minutes.  

“The album will be a true celebration of the rich musical and literary worlds of Scotland and will include unforgettable and fantastical lines from much-loved historical and contemporary works.  

Explaining the origin of the work, Williams said “I’ve always been a big reader and really enjoy working with text. During the pandemic I looked towards my bookshelf for inspiration, delving into the final pages of my favourite works, and dabbling with the notion of using the last lines to create new songs.” 

Award-winning poet, playwright, and novelist Jackie Kay commented: “This is a first for me – lines of a story made into song. I’m excited to hear what Gareth Williams makes of the lines from The Pink House.

“The story was originally published in my book Reality, Reality. I love the idea of these lines fashioning a whole new reality through music.” 

Some of the stories set for potential inclusion on the album include: How to be Both by Ali Smith, At the Loch of The Green Corrie by Andrew Greig, Lanark by Alasdair Gray, Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, Duck Feet by Ely Percy, News Of The Dead by James Robertson, Sonny and Me by Ross Sayers, Peter Pan by J M Barrie, Pink House by Jackie Kay and The Valley of Fear by Arthur Conan Doyle.  

Listen to The Song from the Last Page of Lanark (Demo) on SoundCloud. 

The full album will be recorded in April this year followed by its launch at a week-long residency at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, where each evening, a new song will be written specially for that concert – taken from a suggestion submitted by the public in the weeks leading up to the Festival. 

Songs from the Last Page is among 37 receiving a total of £791,837 National Lottery funding in this latest round of Creative Scotland’s Open Fund awards. At a glance, projects also include:  

Paul Burns, Interim Director of Arts at Creative Scotland said: “This month has seen the launch of two new funds: the National Lottery Open Fund for organisations and a new time-limited National Lottery Extended Programme Fund, marking an important step in the delivery of our new approach that will enable even more innovative and exciting creative activity to unfold in the year ahead and beyond, inspiring people of all ages across Scotland.”  

The full list of Open Fund recipients in this round is available on Creative Scotland’s website. 

Creative Scotland launches two new National Lottery funds

As part of Creative Scotand’s ongoing work to reshape their funding approach, the arts organisation has launched two new funds, supported by The National Lottery.

The funds are:

  • a refreshed National Lottery Open Fund for Organisations, and;
  • a new time-limited National Lottery Extended Programme Fund.

Both funds are designed for organisations that are not currently in receipt of Regular Funding.

The refreshed National Lottery Open Fund for Organisations offers funding of between £1,000 and £100,000 for projects or programmes of activity lasting up to 18 months. Applications can be made at any time, with no deadlines.

The National Lottery Extended Programme Fund offers funding of between £100,000 and £200,000 for programmes of creative activity lasting between 18 and 24 months. Applications can be made at any time, right up until the deadline for the fund in November 2023.

Iain Munro, CEO of Creative Scotland commented: “It’s thanks to National Lottery players that we can launch these two new funds, enabling cultural and creative organisations to deliver their work across Scotland.

“Offering funding for a broad range of projects in terms of scale and duration these new funds will enable longer term planning of creative programmes.

“These funds mark an important step in the delivery of our new approach to funding for organisations, as part of the roll-out of our revised Funding Framework.”

Applications for both funds can be submitted through our online portal.

Support for Scotland’s Hip Hop artists

Twenty-four Scotland based Hip Hop artists working in music, visual arts, dance, drama, literature, and screen have received bursaries totalling more than £31,000 thanks to a growing nationwide programme of support designed to strengthen and sustain Scotland’s thriving Hip Hop community.  

With a doubling of funding in this, its second year from Sunny Govan Radio, UP2STNDRD, 644 Studios and The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, the Scottish Hip Hop Bursary Programme is providing one off grants of up to £1,500 to emerging and established artists towards development, presentation and promotion of new work.  

From Turriff to Dumfries, Angus to Aberdeen, the bursaries are backing DJ workshops, the development of new EPs, singles, albums and music videos; dedicated writing, producing, audio engineering and dance training, the creation of new Hip Hop web series’, provision of DJ equipment and the roll out of new events.    

Artist, producer, lyricist Queen of Harps (Anise Pearson – pictured above) is in development on a new EP and music video; Angus’ NoQuestion (Connor Metcalfe) is working on an instrumental beats album offering open-source material for future collaborations; and Tristyn Jay Trustler’s forthcoming album – created in memory of their mother, will form the basis for a new theatre production.  

Edinburgh’s Werd (Andrew Devine), who’s using his bursary to develop a new album in collaboration with local producers, said “Sunny Govan’s always been a cornerstone in showcasing and supporting Hip Hop in Scotland.

This funding will allow anyone to progress doing what they love while easing financial concerns. I’m proud to be included and given the chance to push myself and others I work with and I encourage all independent acts to learn about these great opportunities on offer.”  

Steg G of Sunny Govan Radio said: “These bursaries are an important step towards improving access to arts funding and support for new and existing Hip Hop adjacent artists to develop their skills and talents. 

“Hip Hop’s energy, artistry and community spirit is alive and thriving in Scotland. It’s a culture, a movement, and a way of life. The ambition, the appetite is palpable and now we’re working together with partners to put the infrastructure and opportunities in place that will help sustain and grow Scotland’s vibrant and diverse scene.”  

 121 mentoring with legendary Hip Hop Artist Steg G, Talent Manager and Creative Producer Mobo Agoro or DJ and Producer K4CIE also features this year, alongside availability of additional access costs.  

 Jenny Tipton, Place, Partnerships & Communities Officer at Creative Scotland said: “Now in its second year, we’re excited to be able to provide refreshed opportunities for Scotland’s growing Hip Hop community and pleased to be able to offer increased provision, additional mentoring opportunities and further access support for each bursary.

“In a time of increased uncertainty for the creative sector, small bursary programmes like these are more important than ever to support artists to develop their careers and provide sustained opportunity across the multi art form genre that is Scottish Hip Hop. It’s with thanks to The National Lottery that we’re able to continue to support this programme.”  

Artist   Project Summary  Location  Amount £  
Karin Bezchlebova  DJ workshops for women in hip hop, supporting guest women DJs to deliver sessions.  Glasgow  £1,500  
Gracia Brill  6 track EP for CrayTwinz that also documents the creative process via video so that it can be shared with other artists as a resource.  Dunbar  £1,000  
Steven Buckby  Hip Hop writing and producing workshops for women over 21 in Polmont Prison.  Fife  £1,478  
AJ Crawford  Two new singles with accompanying music videos.  Glasgow  £1,500  
Sean Cosgrove  Web series showcasing young Scottish MCs in a cypher format with artist as DJ.  Glasgow  £1,000  
Ibrahim Dikko  Collaborating with local videographer to develop music video for new music release.  Glasgow  £1,035  
Andrew Divine  New album for Werd (SOS) working with local producers.  Edinburgh  £1,500  
Yas Farzan  Filmed DJ sets showcasing 4 under-represented Hip Hop artists in Scotland.  Glasgow  £1,050  
Rowena Gatenby  Equipment to support artists development in DJing, and MCing.  Aberdeen  £1,500  
Lewis Linich  Audio engineering workshops for early career audio engineers and producers.  Glasgow  £1,500  
Connor Metcalfe  16 track instrumental project by NoQuestion creating an open source beats material for future collaboration.  Angus  £879  
John Lee Miller  5 track EP that highlights theme of mental health.  Glasgow  £1,000  
Andre Muvuti  7 tracks with 7 Scottish producers focusing on spoken word pieces to be developed into music.  Glasgow  £1,500  
Ian Nijdam  Producing a collaborative Hip Hop EP with artists based across Scotland.  Glasgow  £1,250  
Anise Pearson  Develop new EP and music video for Queen of Harps.  Edinburgh  £1,000  
Harry Raitt  3 track release, with recording, mixing, artwork and visuals collaborating with Scottish based creatives.  Turriff  £1,500  
Jordan Robertson  Collection of music videos to support development of work.  Glasgow  £1,000  
Alexander Romance  Live music event supporting under-represented artists in Hip Hop.  Dumfries and Galloway  £1,150  
Joe Rosenthal  Music video for band AROMA collaborating with rapper Skittles.  Glasgow  £1,500  
Nadia Sewnauth  Midgierakers Unite Dance workshops in collaboration with Shelltoe Mel, offering sessions for women and young people to learn different Hip Hop Dance styles.  Dumbarton  £1,500  
Sarah-Jayne Simpson  2 tracks exploring contemporary life in the North East of Scotland.  Aberdeen  £1,262  
Faris El Sheikh  Working with producer Stu Brown and filmmaker Meray Dinar and contemporary dancer to develop a new song, music video and dance piece.  Glasgow  £1,500  
TJ Trusler  Album created in their mother’s memory, that will form the basis for a theatrical production.  Edinburgh  £1,500  
David Wark  Collaborating with Big City Brains in Copenhagen, two dance artists from the popping scene in Glasgow will travel to Copenhagen to meet this dance collective and develop a sustainable model of artist development for dancers.  Glasgow/Copenhagen  £1,500  

Art project inspired by wild swimming set to make a big splash

New artwork celebrates 50+ swimmers in Scotland’s East Coast communities

Fife-based artist Joanna van den Berg will embark upon a new two-year art project inspired by the lure of coastal swimming thanks to National Lottery Funding through Creative Scotland’s Open Fund.

A woman in silhouette walks out to sea in the sunlight

Developed in collaboration with swimmers, coastal artists and communities, Joanna will develop a series of mixed-media artworks, with a companion collection of writing and images.

This new project titled IMMERSE will take the form of a tribute, exploration and celebration of the growing numbers of ‘feisty 50+ers, women in particular’, whose lives, well-being and sense of solidarity have been galvanised through regular immersion in Scotland’s seas, lochs, rivers and reservoirs.

As one of many who started wild swimming during the Covid pandemic, artist Joanna van den Berg has drawn inspiration from the physical and emotional impact of this directly immersive encounter with the landscape. In Joanna’s own words, ‘the act of transitioning from land to water; the shock, the fear, the exhilaration.’

IMMERSE will host a series of exhibition/gathering events in coastal venues, aiming to produce a companion publication/anthology of text and images for wider distribution by December 2024. News on these, along with call-outs for contributors and regular updates on the project, will be available on an IMMERSE Instagram/Facebook channel from January 2023.

Artist Joanna van den Berg says: “I’m delighted to have been awarded Open Project funding for IMMERSE, a project to create visual narrative for the emotional and physical lure of wild, coastal and tidal pool swimming.

“I’ll be developing work that draws directly from the stories and experiences of swimmers in Scotland’s East Coast communities.

“Much of my work is bound in transitions between land and water, lost and found, known and unknown, and is increasingly underpinned by my experience of aging.

“I am one of an armada of wild swimmers (many of whom are older women) with a newfound and directly immersive relationship with the landscape. I’m particularly interested in the correlation of wild swimming with age-related changes to our bodies, lifestyle and social autonomy.”

The project is one of 69 projects receiving a total of £1,197,933 National Lottery funding in this latest round of Creative Scotland’s Open Fund awards.

At a glance, projects include:

  • Ullapool Book Festival’s 19th annual festival to be held on 5 and 6 May 2023.
  • A new album from acclaimed Glasgow-based folk band Gnoss.
  • Look To the Rainbow – the first biography of the Scots-born singer, actress and entertainer Ella Logan from Alison Kerr.
  • A new duo album fromLouise Dodds and Elchin Shirinov comprised of traditional Scottish Folk Songs and interwoven with influences of both jazz and Azerbaijani folk music.
  • The Party Shrimp – an interactive, outdoor, visual walkabout performance for children (5+), families from Adrenalism.
  • A Scotland-wide series of exhibitions, talks and workshops engaging audiences in the story of Bernat Klein, a Serbian born designer whose career based in the Scottish Borders spanned six decades.

Paul Burns, Interim Deputy Director of Arts & Engagement at Creative Scotland said: “As the year draws to a close, we are once again inspired by the range of exciting new projects that have received Open Fund support.

“The diversity and scope of these projects is reflective of our society as a whole, and we hope that these projects will continue to enrich the lives of people of all ages in Scotland in 2023 and beyond.”

Creative Scotland responds to £7 million budget cut

CREATIVE SCOTLAND STATEMENT:

Following the Scottish Government’s budget announcement last week which proposes a reduction in funding for Creative Scotland of around £7million (more than 10%) – the Board of Creative Scotland met yesterday, 19 December, to discuss the implications of this settlement.

Whilst the Board fully appreciates the challenging context in which the Scottish Government has reached its decision, and the pressures that are being felt by everyone across all parts of society, we are extremely disappointed by the settlement.

It comes at a time of significant pressures for cultural organisations due to the impact of the pandemic, rising inflation, falling income and spiralling operating costs, when the value of culture and creativity to people’s lives has never been more important.

In an effort to address this, at its meeting today, the Creative Scotland Board has agreed to use a proportion of its National Lottery reserves to maintain funding for Regularly Funded Organisations (RFOs) at 2022/23 levels.

National Lottery reserves have been accumulated and earmarked to ease the transition to the new funding framework.  Using these reserves to cover the reduction in Scottish Government funding means that Creative Scotland will no longer have the flexibility of using these funds for other support, including the potential for an RFO supplementary fund previously referred to in our Future Funding for Organisations update on 3 November.

National Lottery reserves are finite and therefore can only be a time-limited solution to address Scottish Government budget reductions in 2023/24. As the Scottish Government budget does not give any indication of funding for 2024/25 and beyond, we cannot confirm RFO funding levels for 2024/25.

Creative Scotland will continue to act responsibly and pragmatically, however, if Scottish Government cuts continue beyond 2023/24, Creative Scotland will require to pass those on to the sector.

All other 2023/24 budget areas will be reviewed and published in our 2023/24 Annual Plan in Spring 2023.

Doric TikTok sensation Aye Tunes set tae tour Scotland

Doric TikTok sensation Aye Tunes will bring My Doric Diary to stages across the country thanks to National Lottery funding through Creative Scotland.

My Doric Diary is among five new and five revived productions receiving £1m from the Touring Fund for Theatre and Dance to tour venues throughout Scotland’s villages, towns and cities, from Autumn 2023 – Spring 2024.

Fraserburgh-born actor and singer Katie Barnett and her actor-musician husband, James Siggens first performed as Aye Tunes during lockdown where they recorded Doric covers of pop songs including ‘Shout Out To My Ex’ by Little Mix, which racked up over 80,000 views overnight.

Far it aa started… If Little Mix wiz fae Aberdeenshire! pic.twitter.com/QSp5l6iYUo

— AyeTunes! (@tunes_aye) April 23, 2021

My Doric Diary follows the story of Daisy – a teenager from Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire – who is finding her voice amongst the grief of her mother’s death. It’s December 31st in Fraserburgh, and Daisy has disappeared down memory lane again. Obsessed with what could have been, Daisy is suddenly given the opportunity of a lifetime – to go back.

The Doric jukebox musical was a hit on stage during its A Play, A Pie and A Pint run at Òran Mór (Glasgow), Traverse Theatre (Edinburgh) and The Lemon Tree (Aberdeen) in April 2022.

Following the run Katie was nominated for Scots Performer of the Year at the Scots Language Awards for her performance which received fantastic reviews.

On touring the work, Katie Barnett commented: “We are so excited to be bringing My Doric Diary out on tour next year.

“Taking it up to the Northeast will be such a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Scots language with those who speak it and performing it elsewhere in Scotland will hopefully be a fun and original way for folk to hear our amazing dialect. A Doric musical is something I’m so proud to have created.”

Popular music is at the heart of several of the productions being funded. Battery Park by Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company tells the story of a 90s Britpop band from Greenock that never made it. It’s a bittersweet love letter to more positive times that will make audiences laugh, cry and reminisce whilst also providing biting satire about where the UK finds itself now.

Thanks to National Lottery players, many of these productions will offer wrap around engagement to invite local communities and audiences to further consider the important issues raised in these productions such as the climate emergency.

Shō and the Demons of the Deep by Zoë Bullock and Independent Arts Projects is a visual-adventure story for children about overcoming fear, climate crisis, and how the actions of one generation can affect the next.

Burnt Out is a solo dance theatre work by Penny Chivas, centred around our changing climate. Weaving spoken word and movement we are taken on a journey through past Australian bushfires including Penny’s own experiences, through their ignition and devastation, and left with space to ponder how we got here.

After a critically acclaimed and exciting world premiere at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe at Summerhall as part of Made in Scotland, Pain and I by Sarah Hopfinger is a bold exploration into chronic pain experience that returns in its live and digital forms – dance performance, audio piece, and graphic score.

Woman Walking by Sylvia Dow is performed, written and directed by three women all in their 70s. Funded productions also include the next intimate chapter in Rona Munro’s critically acclaimed cycle of plays with James V – Katherine by Raw Material Art, among others.

Laura Mackenzie-Stuart, Head of Theatre, Creative Scotland said: “Ranging across physical performance, musical theatre, dance and theatre this vibrant selection of contemporary productions will not only entertain but educate and inspire children, families and audiences across the country.

“The current selection includes new work inspired by local Scottish landscapes, people and events alongside remounts of dance and theatre which have previously wowed audiences at home and internationally.

“There was exceptional demand for this fund with an ask of £6.6m against an available budget of £1m. We would have liked to have supported many more productions which demonstrates the breadth of talent across the country.”

NEW WORK (x5):

Theatre:

Plinth by Al Seed Productions and co-produced by Vanishing Point’ (£65,909)

James V – Katherine by Raw Material Arts (£215,741)

Battery Park by Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company (£160,776)

Shō and the Demons of the Deep by Zoë Bullock by Independent Arts Projects (£140,277)

Woman Walking by Sylvia Dow (£73,932)

RESTAGINGS (x5):

Dance:

Burnt Out by Penny Chivas (£45,311)

Paper Moon by Shaper/Caper (£82,385)

Theatre:

My Doric Diary by Katie Barnett and James Siggens (£81,928)

Pain and I by Sarah Hopfinger (£75,934)

Ragnarok by Tortoise in a Nutshell (£80,838)

For further information on each production please download the attached Touring Fund for Theatre and Dance Production Descriptions document.

Touring-Fund-Descriptions-Dec-22-FinalDownload

Book Week Scotland shares stories from vibrant Scottish communities

Book Week Scotland kicks off today (Monday 14 November) with a line-up themed around ‘Scotland’s Stories’, as part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, has worked closely with writers and partners to put together an exciting week packed full of online and in-person events and activities.

Book Week Scotland is the country’s biggest celebration of books and reading and this year the public are invited to vote on their favourite animal from fiction – voting will close at midnight tonight, with the winner to be revealed during the week!

Continuing the animal theme, one lucky pet-owner will win a special illustration of their pet by top illustrator Esther Kent through a #BookWeekScotlandPets competition on social media.

Events throughout the week include an evening with Sally Magnusson sharing stories from four vibrant Scottish communities, and Book Shriek Scotland – a celebration of Scotland’s folklore presented by Kirsty Logan and Heather Parry, featuring storytellers and writers including Garth Marenghi.

Scottish Book Trust are also asking people to share what they’re reading this Book Week Scotland on the Reading Map of Scotland.

A new book, Scotland’s Stories, has been released today by Scottish Book Trust, featuring true stories from people across Scotland as well as exclusive contributions from published writers Angus Peter Campbell, Raman Mundair, Graeme Armstrong and Helen Fields.

70,000 copies of the book will be given out for free this week in libraries and community spaces. Digital copies, including an audio version, are also available.

From icons of literature to local tales, Scotland’s Year of Stories encourages locals and visitors to experience a diversity of voices, take part in events and explore the places, people and cultures connected to all forms of our stories, past and present.

Book Week Scotland programme highlights:

  • Scotland’s Stories: Tales from the People of Scotland with Sally Magnusson – Monday 14 November, 7pm at Glasgow Film Theatre and livestreamed online. Join Sally Magnusson to celebrate the real-life stories told by people from four vibrant communities across Scotland. The wonderful pieces in this event have been generously shared by people from the Garnock Valley, Port Glasgow and Greenock, Lochgelly and the South Islands of the Western Isles. Each story was shared by a member of the public as part of Community Campfires, supported by Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.
  • Book Shriek Scotland is a celebration of Scotland’s spooky folklore – and some from further afield. This is an online event premiering today, Monday 14 November, in which award-winning authors Heather Parry and Kirsty Logan present an anthology of folk tales told by storytellers and writers, including Garth Marenghi, Amanda Thomson, Ailsa Dixon, John Lees and Anna Cheung. We’ll be inviting people to send us folk tales from their hometowns on social media after the event.
  • The Hidden Case of Ewan Forbes with Professor Zoë Playdon – Monday 14 November, 7–8.30pm at the Sir Duncan Rice Library (University of Aberdeen). Academic and activist Zoë Playdon will talk about her book The Hidden Case of Ewan Forbes – a true local story with international resonance – and the extraordinary court case that took place in the 1960s.
  • Story Café with Alasdair Gray – Tuesday 15 November, 6–7.30pm at Central Library, Dundee. Join us to discuss the short fiction of one of our finest writers, Alasdair Gray – author of Lanark. Spanning satire, dreams of possibility, and dystopian futures, and with diverse influences from Maupassant to Chekhov, the stories display rich imagination and a storyteller’s artistry.
  • Treasure Your History; History: Your Treasure – Wednesday 16 November,  2–3pm at Edinburgh Central Library. Librarian Iain Duffus twill show some of the rare gems the library holds (like the first Bible printed in Edinburgh, and early editions of Burns) in this specially arranged visit during which there will be the chance to explore the awesome book stacks, see some of Scotland’s first newspapers from the eighteenth century, and browse selected local items laid out to enjoy.
  • Author talk: Maggie O’Farrell – Wednesday 16 November, 7.30–8.30pm at Biggar Library. Maggie O’Farrell, prize-winning author of Hamnet and The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox, will be coming along to Biggar Library to talk about her work.
  • Author talk: Stuart MacBride – Thursday 17 November, 7.30–8.30pm at Loch Leven Community Library. Number one Sunday Times bestselling crime writer Stuart MacBride will talk all things crime and share his latest book, No Less The Devil.

Explore the full Book Week Scotland programme on the Scottish Book Trust website.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: ‘Book Week Scotland is a special time of year, where people across Scotland can come together to celebrate and experience the magic of books and reading.

“The 2022 programme features a mix of fun, spooky, inspiring and unusual events and activities. This year’s Book Week Scotland forms part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, celebrating Scotland’s rich culture of telling stories. We hope you’ll be able to join in with a Book Week Scotland event in your community, or one of the many ways to take part online.’

Sally Magnusson, broadcaster and writer, said: ‘I am delighted to be hosting ‘Scotland’s Stories: Tales from the People of Scotland’ during Book Week Scotland because this special event celebrates the stories that remind us who we are, that connect us to our families and our communities and that enable us to share the challenges and the joys of life with one another.

“Showcasing the extraordinary stories from ordinary people at the Glasgow Film Theatre is a great way to round off Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.’

Alan Bett, Head of Literature and Publishing at Creative Scotland, said: ‘Book Week Scotland is upon us with an imaginative and inspiring programme to excite, intrigue and surprise.

‘This high-profile national focus on literature brings readers together to engage with stories and meet their favourite authors.

‘In particular this year’s connection with the Year of Stories allows our folklore and rich heritage to be viewed and enjoyed through contemporary voices.’

Pamela Tulloch, Chief Executive of the Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC), said: ‘Book Week Scotland is a terrific opportunity to celebrate everything that is great about books, reading and bringing together people, families, and communities to explore and revel in the power of words and shared stories. Libraries across Scotland have great programmes lined up during Book Week Scotland.

‘Research shows that reading for just six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by up to 68 per cent in people of all ages, and with our libraries across Scotland filled with an abundance of free reading materials – whatever your interests and ability – we hope people will take the opportunity to use Book Week Scotland to start or get back to enjoying books and at the same time rediscover the enchanting world of the many brilliant libraries right on their doorstep.’

Neil Gray MSP, Minister for Culture, said: ‘Book Week Scotland’s theme around Scotland’s Year of Stories continues our celebration of innovative and ground-breaking forms of storytelling. This has been a bumper year for new and untold stories from people in communities across Scotland.

‘There has never been a better time to enjoy a good story and this week’s events will also highlight the wealth of emerging and forward-looking writing and storytelling talent we have on our doorsteps.’

Scotland’s Stories: Book Week Scotland launches 2022 programme


This year’s Book Week Scotland programme has been announced today (26 October), with a line-up themed around ‘Scotland’s Stories’, as part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, has worked closely with writers and partners to put together an exciting week packed full of online and in-person events and activities, taking place 14–20 November.

Book Week Scotland is the country’s biggest celebration of books and reading and this 1year the public are invited to vote on their favourite animal from fiction – voting is now open, and a national winner will be revealed during the week!

Events throughout the week include an evening with Sally Magnusson sharing stories from four vibrant Scottish communities, and Book Shriek Scotland – a celebration of Scotland’s folklore presented by Kirsty Logan and Heather Parry, featuring storytellers and writers including Garth Marenghi.

Scottish Book Trust will also be asking people to share what they’re reading during the week on a Reading Map of Scotland.

A new book, Scotland’s Stories, has been published by Scottish Book Trust, featuring true stories from people across Scotland as well as exclusive contributions from published writers Angus Peter Campbell, Raman Mundair, Graeme Armstrong and Helen Fields.

70,000 copies of the book will be given out for free during Book Week Scotland through libraries and community spaces, and it will also be available to read online and as an audiobook.

From icons of literature to local tales, Scotland’s Year of Stories encourages locals and visitors to experience a diversity of voices, take part in events and explore the places, people and cultures connected to all forms of our stories, past and present.

Book Week Scotland programme highlights:

  • Scotland’s Stories: Tales from the People of Scotland with Sally Magnusson – Monday 14 November, 7pm at Glasgow Film Theatre. Join Sally Magnusson to celebrate the real-life stories told by people from four vibrant communities across Scotland. The wonderful pieces in this event have been generously shared by people from the Garnock Valley, Port Glasgow and Greenock, Lochgelly and the South Islands of the Western Isles. Each story was shared by a member of the public as part of Community Campfires, supported by Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022. Reserve your ticket on Eventbrite.
  • Book Shriek Scotland is a celebration of Scotland’s spooky folklore –and some from further afield. This is an online event premiering on Monday 14 November, in which award-winning authors Heather Parry and Kirsty Logan present an anthology of folk tales told by storytellers and writers, including Garth Marenghi, Amanda Thomson, Ailsa Dixon, John Lees and Anna Cheung. We’ll be inviting people to send us folk tales from their hometowns on social media after the event.
  • Tales Fae Fife: a writing workshop with James Oswald – Tuesday 15 November, 6.30–8.30pm at 58 Bonnygate in Cupar. Join Fife author James Oswald, author of the Inspector McLean, The Ballad of Sir Benfro and the Constance Fairchild series, for an exciting event that will include a mini writing workshop. Find out more and reserve your ticket on Eventbrite.

The full Book Week Scotland 2022 programme is now live.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Book Week Scotland is a special time of year, where people across Scotland can come together to celebrate and experience the magic of books and reading.

“The 2022 programme features a mix of fun, spooky, inspiring and unusual events and activities. This year’s Book Week Scotland forms part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, celebrating Scotland’s rich culture of telling stories. We hope you’ll be able to join in with a Book Week Scotland event in your community, or one of the many ways to take part online.”

Sally Magnusson, broadcaster and writer, said: “I am delighted to be hosting ‘Scotland’s Stories: Tales from the People of Scotland’ during Book Week Scotland because this special event celebrates the stories that remind us who we are, that connect us to our families and our communities and that enable us to share the challenges and the joys of life with one another.

“Showcasing the extraordinary stories from ordinary people at the Glasgow Film Theatre is a great way to round off Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.”

Alan Bett, Head of Literature and Publishing at Creative Scotland, said: ‘Book Week Scotland is upon us with an imaginative and inspiring programme to excite, intrigue and surprise.

‘This high-profile national focus on literature brings readers together to engage with stories and meet their favourite authors.

‘In particular this year’s connection with the Year of Stories allows our folklore and rich heritage to be viewed and enjoyed through contemporary voices.’

Pamela Tulloch, Chief Executive of the Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC), said: “Book Week Scotland is a terrific opportunity to celebrate everything that is great about books, reading and bringing together people, families, and communities to explore and revel in the power of words and shared stories. Libraries across Scotland have great programmes lined up during Book Week Scotland.

‘Research shows that reading for just six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by up to 68 per cent in people of all ages, and with our libraries across Scotland filled with an abundance of free reading materials – whatever your interests and ability – we hope people will take the opportunity to use Book Week Scotland to start or get back to enjoying books and at the same time rediscover the enchanting world of the many brilliant libraries right on their doorstep.’

Neil Gray MSP, Minister for Culture, said: “Book Week Scotland’s theme around Scotland’s Year of Stories continues our celebration of innovative and ground-breaking forms of storytelling. This has been a bumper year for new and untold stories from people in communities across Scotland.

“There has never been a better time to enjoy a good story and this week’s events will also highlight the wealth of emerging and forward-looking writing and storytelling talent we have on our doorsteps.”

First steps towards recovery as the Festival Fringe comes to a close

TICKET SALES SLUMP BY A QUARTER

The 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe draws to a close today having brought together artists, international arts industry and media, and both loyal Fringe fans and new audiences. 

After some of the most challenging years on record for the sector, the hard work and effort of the artists, venues, producers, promoters, arts and media industry, and staff should be recognised and celebrated.

The lead up brought with it understandable anxiety, as Fringe-makers took on the risk and uncertainty of returning in a year like no other. Audience patterns have changed, industrial action caused significant disruption to rail travel and refuse collection, and affordable accommodation in Edinburgh was at crisis point. This year’s festival has been a colossal and collective effort.

We recognise and thank the residents and businesses of Edinburgh and the Lothians, home to the Fringe for the last 75 years. Residents of our historic city accounted for 39% of all tickets issued (+4% on 2019), and their support and commitment to the festival is evident.  Overseas audience attendances also increased, accounting for 10% of all tickets issued (+2% on 2019).

While the number of tickets issued is testament to the commitment of those who put on the shows and the audiences who came to see them, far beyond what we could have imagined at the start of the year.

The growing cost of Edinburgh for artists points to the need for long-term recovery, investment, and support to ensure the sustainability and longevity of one of the world’s most important cultural events.

Some clear challenges have emerged, and we need a collective approach to address these, or the future of this long-running beacon for cultural connection and development will be in jeopardy.

This year’s Fringe saw an estimated 2,201,175 tickets issued across 3,334 shows which were performed by artists from 63 countries. The festival welcomed diverse work from Scotland, the UK, Europe and the rest of the world, with 13 showcases including work from Canada, Finland, Belgium, Taiwan, South Korea, Ireland – North and South, Denmark and Australia.

The 2022 programme tackled themes and issues such as mental health, gender and gender identity, neurodiversity, disability, feminism, lockdown, experience of migration, LGBTQ+, politics, race and racial identity and work for children; with upcoming talent showcased alongside well-known performers and international work.

The Street Events programme was extended into new sites, with 3,284 performances by Street Performers across the programme.  These included 650 Taster Stage slots on new sites in St Andrew Square and Cathedral Square in St James Quarter.  170 shows were represented, with five additional slots given to community groups and schools.   

Over 35 professional development events for Fringe participants were delivered in partnership with 16 external organisations in Fringe Central, our dedicated centre for artists at the heart of the Fringe, and on Fringe Connect, our online home for artists.

The Arts Industry office accredited 1,354 producers, programmers, bookers, talent agencies, festivals and others from 45 countries, looking to find work, tour it and support artists beyond the festival itself. They were joined by over 770 of the world’s media, and 147 delegates who participated in Screen Fringe.

The communities, learning and access team worked on a number of key initiatives, including loaning out 150 sensory backpacks for autistic children and adults.  BSL interpretation took place in West Parliament Square on five days of the festival, and a dedicated Changing Places toilet was located beside George Square.

The Society worked with over 30 Edinburgh charities and community groups to distribute over £60,000 of Fringe vouchers and Lothian bus tickets, enabling residents from across the city to experience the festival, many for the very first time.  In addition, over 900 schoolchildren came to the Fringe as part of our schools’ outreach work.

Shona McCarthy, CEO of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “Our enormous congratulations go out to everyone who came together to create the 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. 

“This year’s festival is the first step in what will be a long road to recovery and renewal.  The hard work of thousands of artists, and hundreds of venues, producers and staff has combined to deliver the 75th anniversary festival during one of the most challenging summers on record.

“We recognise the significant amount of work that is still required to support the long-term sustainability of this phenomenal Festival.  As we review and discuss all the learnings from this year, our focus this autumn will be on planning for the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe.  

“Collectively we will work to advocate for greater support for those at the heart of the Fringe – our artists.  The eyes of the world look to this historic city every August, and we need to work together to ensure the Fringe is the best place for creatives to express their ideas, audiences to support them and for people across the sector to develop their skills and careers for the next 75 years.”

Benny Higgins, Chair of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, added: “I add my congratulations to those that worked tirelessly this August to deliver the 75th anniversary of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.  The importance of this festival cannot be underestimated.  Artists use the Fringe as a place to perform, connect and springboard onto their next career opportunity. 

“Recovery takes time, and that is why in June we launched our future development goals.  The Society acts to offer anyone a stage and everyone a seat, and there is much to do in the coming months.  We need to ensure the Fringe is the best place for thriving artists, while ensuring fair work and good citizenship. 

“Our digital experience will be key to delivering our climate action targets, and we need to do more to ensure who you are, and where you’re from, is not a barrier to attending or participating in the Fringe.”

As a charity, the work of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society would not be possible without the valuable support of our partners, sponsors and funders.

We are hugely grateful to the support of partners City of Edinburgh Council, EventScotland, Creative Scotland, The Scottish Government, British Council, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, St James Quarter and Nuveen. 

Our thanks to sponsors TikTok, Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh Gin and Cirrus Logic. Our continued appreciation also to our Fringe Angels, Patrons, Friends and supporters who help make the Fringe happen each year.

Next year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe will run from 04 – 28 August 2023.

We’ve Been Heard: Young people speak out on Access All Arts funding

MORE than one hundred young people with additional support needs have taken forward creative arts projects as a result of funding from the Access All Arts Fund, led by national charity Children in Scotland.

The fund, delivered through Creative Scotland’s Nurturing Talent Fund: New Routes programme, distributed £68,000 to young people across Scotland, supporting projects ranging from dance to drama and visual art to television.

As a result of the fund’s success, Creative Scotland will be supporting a second phase of the project from 2022-23.

A report on the first year of the Access All Arts Fund, capturing its aims, approach, impact and recommendations, is published today.

Click here to download the report

The Access All Arts Fund was established specifically to support children and young people with an additional support need or disability, a community who have experienced significant challenges during the pandemic.

A cartoon drawing of ballet shoes, drama mask, a microphone and a pencil and notebook. The Access All Arts Fund logo in the centre.

Children in Scotland recruited four children and young people with a range of additional support needs as panellists to lead the design of the fund, make decisions about funding and support creative initiatives. The panel comprised young people aged 12-25 from West Lothian, Stirling and Glasgow.

With year one of the fund successfully completed, recruitment of young people to take part in the year two panel will begin shortly.

Activity in 2022-23 will have a strong emphasis on wellbeing and a continued focus on young people as project co-designers.

Ryan Cuzen, one of the panel members who took part in the project over the past year, said: “Having young people with lived experience of a disability or additional support needs involved in the design of funds, training programmes and opportunities is vital.

“It shows we are being listening to, included and our ideas and voices are being heard.”

David Mackay, Policy & Projects Manager at Children in Scotland and Access All Arts Fund project lead, said: ““It’s been fantastic to work with the young people on our design panel over the past year and to see the incredible response to the fund.

“The Access All Arts Fund has had a significant impact on many children and young people’s lives – helping them to improve their wellbeing, learn new skills and open up new creative opportunities. We are delighted that Creative Scotland has announced it will be supporting a second round of the fund in 2022.

“We look forward to continuing to support children and young people with additional support needs or a disability to access the arts and realise their full potential.”

Sarah Mcadam, Youth Arts Programme Manager at Creative Scotland said: “The high demand for Access All Arts in 2021 showed us the important role that arts and creativity was able to play in the lives of children and young people who were experiencing significant challenges during the pandemic.

“We’re thrilled that through renewed support, this programme will give more children and young people opportunities to lead on decision-making and access the funding they need to bring their creative ideas to life.”

Recommendations in the report on year one of the project include:

  • Creative Scotland should continue to fund Access all Arts. The fund has been successful in reaching a previously under-represented community and evaluation suggests it has had a positive impact for many young people.
  • Creative Scotland and Children in Scotland should share key learning from the project with policy leads and decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence other initiatives designed to support children and young people’s learning and wellbeing following the pandemic.
  • In additional rounds of the fund, increased time and financial resource should go to outreach work and building relationships with organisations supporting specific communities (for example, deaf children and children and young people with a visual impairment). This would encourage a wider diversity of applications to join the design panel and an increased range of applications.

The fund was open for applications from 11 August – 13 September 2021 and received 236 submissions from children and young people aged 11 to 26.

A large number of applications included requests to purchase items ranging from drawing and painting materials to musical instruments or photographic equipment.

Funding allowed children and young people to attend music, dance or drama tuition classes, realise zine-making projects, progress their song-writing ability and learn silversmithing skills and clothing design.

Evaluation of the project concludes that the fund:

  • Provided opportunities for children and young people to explore their unique personal interests and passions
  • Gave them autonomy and agency to develop projects and learn new skills while supporting their wellbeing
  • Created opportunities for them to overcome barriers and try new creative experiences and, in some cases, supported career development opportunities.
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