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 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 Companytells 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.
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.
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.’
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.
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.”
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.
MORE than one hundredyoung 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.
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.
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 projectover 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 workand 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.
Nine Edinburgh writers selected for new initiative
Scottish Book Trust has unveiled a new initiative to support writers based in Scotland whose debut, full-length work in poetry, fiction or creative non-fiction was published after December 2019 and impacted by the pandemic. Debut Lab is funded by, and a collaboration with, Creative Scotland.
Delivered remotely through a series of seven live-on-Zoom workshops and a range of additional online resources, Debut Lab will support writers affected by the pandemic during this transitional stage in their careers.
Workshops will include networking, marketing, author events and funding opportunities, and will be led by industry professionals including Mairi Oliver, owner of Lighthouse Bookshop, and writers Maisie Chan and Helen Sedgwick, as well as Creative Scotland’s Literature Team and Scottish Book Trust staff.
Nine writers based in Edinburgh have been selected for Debut Lab, including:
Amy B. Moreno, whose debut picture book, A Billion Balloons of Questions (Floris) will be published in June 2022
Caron McKinlay, whose debut novel The Storytellers (Bloodhound Books) will be published in May 2022
Charlie Roy, whose debut novel The Broken Pane (Leamington Books) was published in 2021
Flora Johnston, whose debut novel What You Call Free (Ringwood Publishing) was published in March 2021
Helen Boden, whose debut poetry collection A Landscape to Figure In (Red Squirrel Press) was published in November 2021
Kirsti Wishart, whose debut novel, The Knitting Station (Rymour Books) was published in March 2021
Lauren Pope, whose debut poetry collection, Always Erase (Blue Diode Press) was published in January 2022
Niamh Hargan, whose debut novel Twelve Days in May (HarperFiction) will be published in April 2022
Ry Herman, whose debut novel Love Bites (Quercus Publishing) was published in July 2020
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust said:“Scottish Book Trust is pleased to support eighteen authors through our new initiative, Debut Lab.
“Being a debut author is daunting enough, but the pandemic and following lockdown made it incredibly difficult for authors to promote their work.
“We hope to shine a light on this fantastic range of books, from children’s novels to collections of poetry. Our thanks to Creative Scotland for making this possible and allowing us to give essential support to this cohort.”
Katalina Watt, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland said: ““Creative Scotland is so pleased to be working with Scottish Book Trust on this vital initiative for debut authors impacted by the pandemic.
“Through a series of live online workshops and additional resources led and facilitated by industry professionals, Debut Lab will highlight the wonderful variety of works and support these authors in the next exciting steps of their author journeys.”
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has today revealed an inclusive range of new and continuing programmes created to support and develop burgeoning filmmaking and curatorial talent across the film industry.
With EIFF celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, these programmes feed into the film festival’s history of supporting new film talent by connecting audiences with innovative and essential storytellers.
The programmes are supported both through the PLACE programme, a partnership between the Scottish Government – through Creative Scotland – the City of Edinburgh Council and the Edinburgh Festivals and also through the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund.
Kristy Matheson, Creative Director of EIFF said: “This suite of programmes acknowledges that storytelling takes infinite forms – from the production of new films to the creative interpretation of cinema for audiences.
“Creating meaningful connections is a value we hold dear, and as we celebrate our 75th anniversary, Edinburgh International Film Festival is excited to look to the future of our industry and the makers and audiences who will shape it.”
Sambrooke Scott, Head of Audience Development at Screen Scotland said: “Screen Scotland and Creative Scotland are proud supporters of EIFF. As the festival celebrates its 75th year we’re excited that the talent-development programme offers a suite of forward-looking initiatives and bold new schemes that will support voices at different points in their careers from across the film industry.
“The programme sets out an exciting new vision for EIFF’s talent development activity, defined by experimentation and inclusion.”
Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan, Culture and Communities Vice Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said:“The festival’s continued commitment to emerging talent is further cemented with this announcement.
“We’re proud to support the city’s Film Festival as it continues to identify, support and highlight new screen talent. It is a great example of what the PLACE festivals funding programme can support, which in this instance is providing pathways to television and film industry skills development for participants from across Scotland.”
Running since 2011,EIFF Talent Labseesfour days of workshops, masterclasses and 1-2-1 sessions bringing together 30 emerging writers, writer/directors, directors and producers with established industry professionals.Past participants in the programme include: Anna Griffin (CALIBRE); Ben Sharrock (LIMBO); Claire Oakley (MAKE UP); Daniel Kokotajlo (APOSTASY); Eva Riley (PERFECT 10); John McPhail (ANNA AND THE APOCALYPSE); Lucy Brydon (BODY OF WATER); Moin Hussain (BIRCHANGER LANE); Rob Savage (HOST); Sarah Brocklehurst (ANIMALS).
Talent Lab Connects, running since 2019, is a 9-month programme to help support filmmaking teams with professional script editing and mentoring.
The initiative is open to EIFF Talent Lab alumni and their collaborators to develop a feature film or serial drama project.EIFF will work with story editor Kate Leys and industry mentors to guide the 6 selected teams towards achieving a series of specific goals for their projects.
The 6 selected projects are:
BEFORE I WAKE | Producer: David Brown (Talent Lab 2017) | Writer/Director: Kevin Pickering (Talent Lab 2018)
DROVERS ROAD | Producer: Deb Charles | Writer: Morna Young | Director: Robin Haig (Talent Lab 2016)
PUNZEL | Producer: Rajita Shah (Talent Lab 2012) | Writer: Polly Courtney | Director: Tessa Joffe
SUNBURN | Producer: Hollie Bryan | Writer/Director: Jack King (Talent Lab 2021)
ULA (working title) | Producer: Cat Marshall | Writer: Lucy Kaya & Mandy Lee (Talent Lab 2012) | Director: Alex Browning
EIFF & Curate-It Fellowship is a 12-week online curatorial training programme for 7 early career programmers created to develop an online programme with digital access on the Curate-It platform and a public event for EIFF in 2022. This programme is developed and delivered by professional curators, Justine Atkinson (director) and Carmen Thompson (producer) of Curate-It.
EIFF Curatorial Commissionis an annual commission for world class film programming based on a particular theme or provocation. In 2022, EIFF will invite 3 mid-career programmers to develop a programme for public presentation.
EIFF Curatorial Mentoring Programme is a 1:1 mentoring programme pairing 3 mid-career programmers with a leading international curator. Support will also include actively connecting participants with key decision makers at institutions.
EIFF Critical Writing Commission is an annual writing commission based on a particular theme or provocation that connects 10 mid-career Scottish born or based cultural critics to global editors and audiences. This opportunity opens soon!
Justine Atkinson, Director of Curate-Itsaid ‘We are delighted to be partnering with the EIFF this year to create the Fellowship programme.
“Curate-It uses the digital space to make information about film curation more accessible, creating a unique platform to learn and share curatorial perspectives. Through this we hope to bring together a programme of films that will inspire, entertain and inform audiences as we celebrate the historic 50th anniversary of the Women’s Film Festival”.
Curate-It is a training app that uses the digital space to make information about film curation more accessible. Through doing this it creates a unique platform through which people from all over the world can learn the processes of implementing their own screening event, connect and collaborate.
The app will be launched during EIFF in August.
EIFF 2022 Theme:
In 1972, the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) presented the first global film event entirely dedicated to the cinematic achievements of female directors. Comprising works drawn from historical and contemporary cinema, the Women’s Film Festival was produced by Claire Johnston, Lynda Myles, Laura Mulvey.
Honouring the spirit of the original event, in 2022, EIFF welcomes the opportunity to work with independent collaborators to craft a bold, political, and wildly celebratory responses to the 50th anniversary of the Women’s Film Festival that acknowledges the multiplicity and variety of feminisms.
The positive role that art and creativity plays in enhancing our mental health and well-being is at the heart of activity taking place in communities across Scotland and backed by £800,000 of National Lottery and Scottish Government support in the latest round of Creative Scotland’s Open Fund awards.
Forging connection through music making and storytelling is central to Acorn Shed Music’s approach. In their latest project with partners Ceartas Advocacy and The Village Storytelling Centre, Songs from Here will bring together people living with dementia in East Dunbartonshire to create songs and stories based on lived experience.
Set up in 2017 with the aim of finding ways to use group songwriting to explore difficult conversations, Acord Shed Music’s Co-Founder, Carol Beckwith said: “Writing songs that emerge from individual and shared stories provides opportunities to take a more creative approach to exploring the experience of dementia and dementia care.
“We anticipate that as people begin to reveal their creative identities in this way they begin to understand that ‘voice’ is more than just the words that we say.”
In Edinburgh, Artlink is about to roll out a new programme of workshops, discussions, performances, installations, exhibitions and artist placements for people with complex disabilities.
Jan-Bert van den Berg, Director at Artlink, said: “Over the last two years amazing new creative relationships have formed between people with complex disabilities, their supports, and artists.
“As we emerge into a post lockdown world, we want to make sure that those people who have been hardest hit are included in influencing and shaping the new cultural landscape.
“Being Human supports a programme of creative work that harnesses the strengths and passions of all involved to make the most of what has been learnt.”
Becoming a dynamic hub of creative activity, Glasgow’s Good Vibrations supports people through communal music making, with a focus on the gamelan and Indian tuned percussion orchestra.
Hekate Papadaki, Executive Director of Good Vibrations explains: “Through communal music-making and other creative activities we support people who may have more limited access to participating in arts and culture – those from deprived areas and those with disabilities and mental health needs – to develop personal, social and music skills, self-confidence and positive self-identities.”
Paul Burns, Interim Director, Arts and Engagement Creative Scotland said: “The arts and creativity make an invaluable contribution to our health and wellbeing – both physically and mentally.
“Thanks to the generosity of National Lottery players, who raise over £30 million for good causes across the UK every week, and funding from the Scottish Government, these awards continue to address issues of mental and emotional wellbeing while also enriching the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds.”
A full list of Open Fund recipient awards is available on the Creative Scotland website.
Funded by Creative Scotland, The Flourish Jewellery Project is an exciting craft jewellery project. Working in partnership with North Edinburgh Arts and Four-Square’s Womanzone, Jewellery Artists, Lisa Arnott and Jessica Howarth have enabled women who are recovering from trauma from domestic violence, drug and alcohol addiction, social isolation, and economic hardship to develop new skills in jewellery design and making.
Working with a variety of organisations who support women, Lisa and Jessica created a series of outreach jewellery sessions introducing and enabling the women to make rings, pendants and bangles from silver. For these participants, being part of this project has provided a space for them to dare to dream and have a moment in their week where their creativity is realised.
From the outreach session, 12 women then went on to engage with the project on more intensive weekly jewellery and metalwork sessions. During this time, they learnt the foundations of metal and jewellery work which included saw piercing, soldering, texturing and shaping metal.
Despite the various challenges the women experienced, the project has provided materials, travel and childcare alongside safe and high-quality jewellery workshops.
Having never made any jewellery out of metal at the start of the project, the women from the Flourish Jewellery Project have now produced a small collection of silver jewellery which will be on display at the project’s exhibition, which takes place from 22nd until the 25th January at Custom House in Leith.
The exhibition, which is sponsored by fine jeweller, Hamilton & Inches, with support from the Scottish Goldsmith Trust and Scottish Historic Building Trust, will display beautifully handcrafted items.
Lisa Arnott (above) and Jessica Howarth said: “We were both delighted to have received funding from Creative Scotland for the Flourish Jewellery Project.
“By working in partnership with Foursquare’s, Womenzone project and North Edinburgh Arts in Muirhouse we have been providing jewellery making opportunities for women from across the city.
“This project has enabled women who have experienced trauma, social isolation and/or economic challenges to develop traditional jewellery making skills.”
AFlourish participantsaid: “The Flourish Jewellery Project has made me find myself. I’m shocked at who I was when I first started coming as to who I am now”.
Earlier this Autumn the Flourish Jewellery Project was featured at The New York Jewellery Week 2021’s the ‘Power of Jewellery’ and was shortlisted for a Creative Edinburgh Award for Best in Collaboration.
Lisa and Jess (above) have also taken part in research undertaken by University College London and Birmingham City University and collaborated with a host of local artists and designers.
This has included Professor Sandra Wilson from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, furniture designer Colin Parker, web designers Erin Smith and Zena Walczynska, illustrations by Kinship Press, Photographer Shannon Tofts and Media Scotland who are co-producing a film reflecting the women’s experience of the project.
The project is now becoming a community interest company and has secured further funding to enable six women to continue to develop their jewellery training further.
