Tag: Creative Scotland

2022 Bookbug Picture Book Prize Announced

Three Edinburgh based authors nominated for award

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity transforming lives through reading and writing, has today announced the shortlist for the 2022 Bookbug Picture Book Prize. Now in its sixth year, the shortlist includes Alastair Chisholm, Catherine Rayner, David Roberts, and Zoë Ingram.

The award was established to celebrate the most popular picture books by Scottish authors and illustrators and to encourage reading for pleasure.

The shortlist is selected by an independent panel of experts including Primary 1 teachers, a children’s librarian, children’s bookseller and Bookbug coordinator as well as experts from Scottish Book Trust’s Early Years Team.

The winner is then chosen by thousands of children across the country who can cast their votes online either at school with their teacher or at home with their families, via the Scottish Book Trust website.

THE BOOKBUG PICTURE BOOK PRIZE 2022 SHORTLIST IS:

  • Arlo the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep by Catherine Rayner
  • Inch and Grub by Alastair Chisholm and illustrated by David Roberts
  • My First Book of Woodland Animals illustrated by Zoë Ingram

The 2022 shortlist features an exhausted lion who meets an owl friend; competitive cavemen; and a beautifully illustrated wild animal spotter guide.

Catherine Rayner is an author and illustrator of children’s picture books. She studied Illustration at Edinburgh College of Art where, for her final degree show, she created what would go on to be her debut picture book.

Originally from Yorkshire, Catherine fell in love with the city of Edinburgh and still lives there. She was winner of the 2009 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal for Harris Finds His Feet. In 2010, she was the inaugural illustrator in residence at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Catherine Rayner said: “I’m so excited to be on such an amazing shortlist. “I’m a huge supporter of Scottish Book Trust and all they do so this is an exceptionally special honour. Arlo is extremely excited too!”

Alastair Chisholm is an award-winning children’s author and puzzle creator. He’s the author of the sci-fi middle-grade adventures Orion Lost and Adam-2, and children’s picture books The Prince and the Witch and the Thief and the Bears, as well as books of Sudoku, Kakuro and other puzzles, including the Kids’ Book of Sudoku and Kids’ Book of Kakuro series. Alastair lives in Edinburgh with his wife and two children.

David Roberts is a children’s illustrator originally from Liverpool. He has illustrated a large number of books in both black and white and colour. He has worked with such well-known authors as Philip Ardagh, Peter Bently and Julia Donaldson.

His sister Lynn Roberts is also a writer and the siblings have collaborated on several retellings of fairy stories, including Rapunzel: A Groovy Fairy Tale, which was shortlisted for a Blue Peter Book Award, and Little Red: A Fizzingly Good Yarn, which was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal.

Alastair said: “It’s a joy to see Inch and Grub shortlisted for the Bookbug Picture Book Prize, and especially to be included in the Bookbug bag!

“This is a brilliant and vital project, and one my own daughters benefited from when they were younger – it’s wonderful now to think of my and David’s book becoming part of it. Thank you so much!”

Zoë Ingram is an artist & illustrator based in Edinburgh. With a printed textile design degree under her belt and a career in the creative arts spanning over twenty years, Zoë now focuses on client commissions and personal work.

Zoë primarily works with mixed media and digital applications, often combining traditional and digital techniques. Zoë has also recently written and published her first book, Oh My Gouache!, a beginner’s guide to painting with opaque watercolour.

Zoë said: “I’m so thrilled to be shortlisted for the Bookbug Picture Book Prize. “It’s such an honour to be chosen and I just hope that everyone who reads My first book of Woodland Animals has as much fun finding out about all the lovely animals and insects in the book as I did when I was illustrating them.”

61,000 pupils across Scotland will receive a free copy of each of the three books on the shortlist, which are given to every Primary 1 child during Book Week Scotland (15 November – 21 November), in the Bookbug P1 Family Bag.

The winner of the Bookbug Picture Book Prize will be announced in an exclusive video to all registered groups on Wednesday 26 January. The winner will receive a specially commissioned trophy and £2,000 while shortlisted authors and illustrators receive £500 per book.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Congratulations to all those who have been shortlisted for the Bookbug Picture Book Prize. We encourage schools and families across Scotland to read the shortlisted titles and vote for their favourite.

“We hope the children receiving their Bookbug P1 Family Bag will enjoy sharing these stories at home and with their classmates.”

 Katalina Watt, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland, said: “The Bookbug Picture Book Prize is such a special award with its focus on reading for enjoyment and placing young readers at the heart of the selection process.

“Warm congratulations to all the authors and illustrators who submitted their stories and to those making up such a rich and varied shortlist.”

The deadline for voting is Friday 10 December 2021 at 5pm.

On The Road Again: Scottish Government to launch Scotland on Tour live music fund

Musicians, bands, artists and venues will be able to apply to a £750,000 Scottish Government fund to bring new and additional concerts to venues and festivals in Scotland next year.

Scotland on Tour will support the staging of concerts across the whole nation from between January 2022 and January 2023.

Funded by Scottish Government and organised by Active Events, its decision-making panel includes representatives from across the music industry, as well as Creative Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, XpoNorth and South of Scotland Enterprise.

Participating artists, venues and festivals will be announced later this year.

Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “Due to the impact of COVID-19, I know many concerts from 2020 and 2021 have been postponed – leaving little opportunity for artists to perform new concerts in traditional venues or concert halls up until late 2022, or even spring 2023.

“So I am very pleased to announce Scotland on Tour, a fund to help artists, venues and the wider music industry by creating new concert opportunities across Scotland next year.

“The fund is not only an exciting opportunity for artists and venues, but also for Scottish audiences, who will have the chance to see the best of Scottish music right on their doorstep.”

Director of Active Events Lisa Whytock said: “The past 18 months have been exceptionally challenging for musicians and promoters around Scotland.

“This fund will allow new concerts from professional musicians to take place across the country, bringing world class performances to cities, towns and local communities whilst simultaneously supporting production companies and skilled freelancers in their delivery.

“We are extremely excited about the project and would like to wholeheartedly thank the Scottish Government for their investment.”

Head of Music at Creative Scotland, Alan Morrison, said: “At the height of the pandemic, Active Events applied to Creative Scotland’s Open Fund for a research project that would identify community partners and increase touring opportunities for musicians when restrictions finally lifted.

“This bold vision for recovery has blossomed into a new touring fund, supported by the Scottish Government, that will breathe life back into the live music sector across the entire country.

“It’s extremely encouraging to see how a seed that was sown in darker times is growing into a major year-long programme that will bring music fans and professional artists of all genres back together again.”

Further details will be announced soon as to how artists and venues can apply to the Scotland on Tour fund, which is expected to open for applications in October. 

Registrations of interest to the fund can be recorded by sending an email to info@scotlandontour.com

Kathleen Jamie is new Makar

Poet and essayist Kathleen Jamie has been appointed as Scotland’s next Makar. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon formally welcomed her to the role at the Scottish Poetry Library in Edinburgh yesterday.

The role of Makar involves taking a leadership role in promoting poetry nationally, as well as producing work relating to significant national events.

Ms Jamie was appointed by the First Minister for a three-year term on the recommendation of an expert panel representing Scotland’s literary sector.

She is the fourth person to hold the role since it was established by the Scottish Parliament in 2004, following in the footsteps of Jackie Kay, Liz Lochhead, and Edwin Morgan.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I am delighted to confirm Kathleen Jamie as our national poet.

“Poetry is integral to Scotland’s culture and history. The Makar has a central role in celebrating that legacy, and preserving its future by encouraging the next generation of young writers to leave their mark.

“Kathleen is a highly accomplished poet who is known for her works in English and Scots, and the meaningful connections her writing draws between our lives and the landscape around us. I have no doubt she will continue to build on the exceptional work of her predecessors to promote Scottish poetry both here and abroad.”

Kathleen Jamie said: “I am honoured and delighted to be appointed as Scotland’s new Makar. The post confirms a weel-kent truth: that poetry abides at the heart of Scottish culture, in all our languages, old and new. It’s mysterious, undefinable and bold. It runs deep and sparkles at once.

“Liz Lochhead, Jackie Kay and the late Edwin Morgan have held this post before me, a trio of major poets. If I can achieve half of their outreach, humour and wisdom, not to mention their wonderful verse, I’ll be doing well. I am grateful to the selection panel for such a vote of confidence in my work, and to the First Minister for her endorsement and support.

“My task as I see it is to meet folk, to support and encourage poetry, to laugh and lament and witness, and occasionally speak to our national life. I’m excited to begin.” 

Asif Khan, Director at Scottish Poetry Library said: “Kathleen Jamie is a generational talent – an exceptional Scottish writer of any era. Jamie’s poetry and prose sits with the best writing in English anywhere in the world.

“The poetry library looks forward to supporting the new Makar’s programme of engagement at a time when poetry is treasured as an art form that can heal and unite communities, as well as inspire our young people, including New Scots, to see the world differently and reflect on their role in it.”

Alan Bett, Head of Literature & Publishing at Creative Scotland said: “Kathleen Jamie is an excellent choice for The Makar, Scotland’s national poet. The quality of her work speaks for itself, and that work can and will speak to so many people across Scotland and beyond.

“The work can also speak to and challenge the current environmental context, with a strong focus on place and nature. I would like to offer my warm congratulations to Kathleen on this announcement and look forward to the creative projects that will connect her poetry with the nation.”

Further £17m emergency funding for Culture Organisations and Performing Arts Venues

331 cultural organisations and performing arts venues across Scotland have received a total of £17million in the latest round of emergency Covid-19 funds from the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland.

From comedy clubs and theatres to galleries and production companies, the second round of the Culture Organisations and Venues Recovery  Fund is designed to help prevent insolvency and/or significant job losses due to the impact of COVID-19, and the Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund (PAVR) is helping venues to remain solvent, return staff from furlough, and enable new artistic commissions from freelance artists.

In Edinburgh, the Usher Hall receives £182,445 from the PAVR 2 fund, DanceBase Scotland £223,887 and there’s £500,000 for Capital Theatres. There’s also £342,000 for Leith Theatre, £150,000 for the Traverse and £97,500 for The Queen’s Hall.

Organisations receiving COVR Round 2 support in the capital include North Edinburgh Arts, Hidden Door and Edinburgh Printmakers.

Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “I am delighted that this vital funding is reaching the culture sector, which has endured some of the most challenging restrictions over the past 18 months.

“It’s exciting that the sector can now plan for full reopening. The communal experience of being part of an audience cannot be replicated, and it has been sorely missed since the start of the pandemic.

“The move beyond level 0 will allow the sector to reopen fully, but I know that it will take some time to rebuild. This funding will play a key role in stabilising many venues and businesses as the sector begins to recover.

“The Scottish Government has provided almost £175million of emergency support to the culture, heritage and events sector since the start of the pandemic, and I look forward now to working with the sectors to build for the future.”

Caroline Morgan, Managing Director at Aberdeen’s Tivoli Theatre commented: “This money will mean we can retain our current staff, recruit part time staff, bring our freelance technicians back to work and undertake all necessary requirements to reopen in a safe way at the end of August.

“We’re full steam ahead now with testing equipment, organising staff training, first aid training, implementing a new app for ordering and setting up hand-held scanners for ticketing and deep cleaning the building. We’ll also be able to support local youth groups who perform with us who have also had a really tough time of it. This funding is a life-line having been closed with no income for 17 months.”

Joan Parr, Interim Director of Arts and Engagement said: “Our first priority continues to be supporting the recovery and renewal of Scotland’s art and creative sector as Covid-19 restrictions are eased and the sector can open up again more fully.

“Nevertheless, we remain acutely aware of the critical challenges faced by so many cultural organisations, and we know how vital this funding is in continuing to help protect jobs and support the sustainability of a sector that has felt the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic so significantly.”

A full list of organisations and venues receiving funding in this round of the Culture Organisations and Venues Recovery Fund and the Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund can be downloaded below:

PAVR-Round-2-recipients-1Download
COVR-Round-2-recipients-1Download

National Lottery funds support Edinburgh creative projects

Creative projects from Edinburgh artists and creative organisations are in motion thanks to National Lottery funding awarded through Creative Scotland’s Open Fund.

A new poetry project from Neu! Reekie!, a community arts project focusing on Edinburgh’s history and a 50th anniversary commission from Meadows Chamber Orchestra are among the 53 projects in total sharing in over £1.2million of National Lottery funding.

These funds aim to support creativity across Scotland for artists, organisations and creative groups as they seek to build sustainability while emerging from Covid-19 restrictions.

With new funding, independent publisher 404 Ink will be continuing their development of new and emerging Scottish voices, including new poetry, novels and memoirs.

Co-founder and Publishing Director Heather McDaid says: “As a small publisher trying to survive and thrive through the pandemic, this is an incredible opportunity to put real resources behind authors and titles we fully believe in, and create a large network of freelance opportunities, while also being able to develop our paid internship programme and look to 404 Ink’s long-term recovery and sustainability.”

Neu! Reekie!’s forthcoming The New Now! will draw focus on Scotland’s poets. From #NeuVoices publishing their first poem to Scotland’s new Makar making their mark, The New Now! will offer poets and audiences alike, a year-long series of live shows and broadcast-quality digital events.

Neu! Reekie! Co-founder Michael Pedersen says: “We’re elated to see this vital project taking flight — through it we hope to make sense of the last bewildering period and gather gusto for the future.”

ReDrawing Edinburgh is a community-led creative project from Edinburgh City Archives designed to commemorate the centennial of the 1920 Edinburgh Boundaries Extension and Tramways Act.

Activities around this project will include the projection a short, commissioned archive multi-media installation onto five buildings in the five boundary extension areas, on five evenings during September 2021.

Henry Sullivan, Information Asset Manager says: “The heritage of each community will be displayed to local audiences in their own community spaces in an innovative and engaging fashion.

“The hope is that this will be a model for future collaboration between content custodians, community organisations and local artists.”

Meadows Chamber Orchestra will celebrate its 50th anniversary with the commission and Scottish premiere of an exciting new orchestral symphony by renowned composer Eleanor Alberga.

Principal conductor and musical advisor, Peter Evans says: “As the Meadows Chamber Orchestra prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in June 2022, the ensemble is particularly delighted to receive financial support from Creative Scotland for the commission of a new symphony from the Jamaican -born British composer, Eleanor Alberga. The new piece will be a joint commission with the Bristol-based Brandon Hill Chamber Orchestra.”

INTO THE ALTERED STATES is a year-long project by artist Benjamin Owen celebrating voices across Scotland and bringing together an intergenerational group of musicians alongside the voices of elderly individuals.

Benjamin explained: “This funding is a vital opportunity for me to develop as a participatory artist after a twenty-year career in arts education.

“It allows me to integrate all sorts of skills and experiences gathered in teaching into a more experimental and flexible environment.”

Joan Parr, Creative Scotland’s Interim Director of Arts and Engagement, said: “Thanks to the generosity of National Lottery players, who raise £30 million for good causes across the UK every week, these vital funds are helping artists to continue to develop and present their work and to bring extraordinary creative experiences to life within our communities.”

A full list of recipients of Open Fund awards is available on the Creative Scotland website.

New Funds for Touring Theatre and Dance

New funds are available for Scottish based artists, companies, producers and venues for touring live theatre and dance work from Summer 2022.  

With support from The National Lottery as well as enhanced funding of £375,000 from the Scottish Government, Creative Scotland’s £2million Touring Fund for Theatre and Dance eligibility criteria is now live and will open for applications on Tuesday 17 August.  

Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “It is fantastic to see the Touring Fund for Theatre and Dance re-open for applications. Delivered by Creative Scotland with an additional £375,000 of Scottish Government funding, the fund will help support a range of touring theatre shows for more people across Scotland to experience and enjoy in places which normally have fewer opportunities.   

“Fulfilling one of our 100 day commitments, this fund will not only generate increased opportunities for new audiences to experience the best of Scottish theatre, it will provide artists, producers and companies with an opportunity to showcase their creative works after such a difficult year for the sector. I look forward to hearing more about the productions which will benefit from this funding.” 

Since the Fund’s inception in 2018, £4.2million has enabled a wide range of new and topical re-stagings of acclaimed theatre and dance shows including circus for babies, gritty drama, and musical comedy capers exploring themes from international friendship to mental health to criss-cross Scotland. 

From small, medium and large-scale venues pre-covid, shows have been specially created and re-imagined during the pandemic, to suit outdoor spaces and unconventional places such as allotments, woodland trails, garden centres, loch-sides, and people’s gardens.   

Laura Mackenzie Stuart, Head of Theatre at Creative Scotland said: “It’s with thanks to the generosity of National Lottery players, who raise £30 million for good causes across the UK every week, and funding from the Scottish Government, that artists and companies can continue to re-connect with audiences as we slowly begin to emerge from the pandemic, bringing live in person performance back to communities throughout Scotland. 

“Partnerships with established venues will play a vital role – being at the heart of the communities they work in year-round, every year.   Whilst we have endured an incredibly challenging and disrupted period, those links have been kept vibrant and strong. They will be key as audiences begin once again to enjoy the uplifting experience of theatre and dance in person, and a physical reconnection with performing arts.”

Edinburgh projects share over £145,000 for creative development

Nine Edinburgh-based projects are sharing over £145,000 Scottish Government and National Lottery funds through Creative Scotland in the latest round of Open Fund awards.  

A digital drag show from Edinburgh drag queen, Mystika Glamoor; an exciting wave of music making focused on the arrival of COP26 on our shores from Oi Musica; a new writer mentoring programme from Wildfire Theatre;and new music from traditional music ensemble, The Whistlebinkies are among 45 projects across the country to be awarded over £732,000 last month.  

These funds are supporting a diverse range creative people, projects and organisations across Scotland to adapt and respond to the current changing circumstances brought about by Covid-19 and helping to sustain creative development at this challenging time. 

Featuring a variety of experimental local drag performers and LGBT+ performance art, GLAMOOR, THE KWEER KABARET which originated at Edinburgh’s The Street bar is moving online.  

Oskar Kirk Hansen, who will be hosting as his alter ego Mystika Glamoor, said: “This funding from Creative Scotland allows me to support myself as a full-time artist, and most importantly to give back to the wider community of LGBT artists in the line-ups of my shows throughout the rest of the year. 

“I truly hope this is part of a turning point in Scottish drag that will make our community stand up for what it’s worth, so we can truly start to see ourselves as professionals.” 

Building on work in 2020 with musicians including Karine Polwart and Heather Macleod, Let it Grow is a new musical response to COP26 from Edinburgh-based artist-led music organisation Oi Musica. 

Oli Furness, Co-Director of Oi Musica said: “We are particularly excited about supporting youth creativity, about building connections across communities and creating a focus for grassroots and lifelong learning projects as they emerge from lockdowns and COVID restrictions.” 

New Voices from Wildfire Theatre is a digital project that will see the professional performance of up to ten pieces of new writing from new writers who will receive professional mentoring.  

Director Pauline Lockhart says: “This project will encourage untapped creativity and provide an exciting outlet for that talent. 

“It’s imperative that we give opportunity to these new voices and I’m really excited about the talent this project might uncover!” 

Unlocking John Cage’s Scottish Circus will see the world-premiere release in audio and video of American composer John Cage’s 1990 work Scottish Circus featuring the musicians of The Whistlebinkies for whom it was written.  

Whistlebinkies’ fiddle and concertina player Stuart Eydmann says: “It was an honour for the Whistlebinkies, and for Scottish music, when the distinguished 20th-century American composer John Cage created the work featured in this world-premiere DVD recording.”  

Iain Munro, CEO, Creative Scotland said: “We are committed to supporting a diverse mix of artists and creative groups through the Open Fund, in communities throughout Scotland.

“Many of the projects supported will spark a timely discussion over issues such as climate change, as well as a commitment to greater inclusion of underrepresented groups in the arts.

“Thanks to the generosity of National Lottery players, who raise £30 million for good causes across the UK every week, and funding from the Scottish Government, these awards play an important part in enriching the lives of people throughout Scotland.” 

A full list of recipients of Open Fund awards is available on the Creative Scotland website. 

Climate Challenge: 1.5 Degree films to launch Summer 2021

Youth groups, schools, community organisations, activist groups and individuals of all ages, abilities and filmmaking experience will soon be invited to take part in a major Challenge to create 90‑second short films in response to climate change, to be screened in and around this November’s UN Climate Change Conference (COP26).

Led by Film Access Scotland with support from Screen Scotland and Keep Scotland Beautiful, the Climate Challenge: 1.5 Degree Films project will invite people to make films to share their thoughts and ideas about climate change and how it is affecting us as individuals, our surroundings, families and communities.

Local filmmaking training and support will be provided to groups in Scotland from film educators based in community hubs and within partner arts and cultural organisations. Regardless of background, age or filmmaking experience, anyone anywhere can submit a film to the Challenge, with resources available online to help people get started.

Films must be short, only 1.5 minutes long – like the hoped-for maximum limit on global warming of 1.5 degrees – and can be made using any technology, including smartphones and tablets.

Films will be available online, providing a platform for sharing views on climate change. Many will go on to be screened at fringe events in Glasgow during COP26 and there will be a special celebratory event in December where films will be awarded commendations and prizes.

Submissions from young people aged up to 25 years will automatically be entered into Film Access Scotland’s film festival in November.

Chief Executive of Film Access Scotland, Natalie Usher said “Global leaders will come together in Glasgow at COP26 to discuss urgent climate action to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.

“This Challenge invites you to make 1.5 minute films to join the climate debate and help us create a collective snapshot of this response to climate change. Through the filmmaking support offered by the project, we want to connect people with arts and community organisations across Scotland in order to facilitate public engagement and awareness about climate change.”

Scott Donaldson, Screen Scotland’s Head of Film Education said: “We all have a huge stake in the outcome of COP26 and everyone has a story to tell about their relationship with the environment and climate crisis.

“Film Access Scotland’s open access Film Challenge will inspire people to learn more about the climate crisis, promote greater public engagement with environmental issues and support people across Scotland to make films and have their voices heard at the COP26 and beyond.”

Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful said: “To become a Net Zero Nation, the people of Scotland need to be supported to understand the Climate Emergency and identify actions we can take as individuals and as a nation to tackle it.

“Our experience working with people across Scotland is that ordinary citizens are some of the best climate change communicators, sharing messages in culturally relevant ways that resonate with their own friends, families and communities.

“That’s why we are delighted to be a partner in this project, giving a voice to people across Scotland and encouraging action on climate change at every level.”

If you are a representative of a group based in Scotland that would like to submit your expression of interest in participating, email info@filmaccess.scot.  To keep up to date with latest developments, use #90SecondClimateFilms and visit Film Access Scotland.

Full details about the Climate Challenge: 1.5° Films project including eligibility criteria and submission deadlines will be announced in July 2021.

Tenement Tales!

Sometimes things do get magically placed on your doorstep!

The Scottish Storytelling Forum (TRACS) are running the fantastic initiative ‘Tenement Tales’, which kicks off this Saturday at 11am.

If you’re based in a #Leith tenement, open your windows and you might catch a story or two, without leaving the comfort of your home!

#communityspirit

Supported by Creative Scotland, Fèisean nan Gàidheal

Further emergency funding for Culture Organisations and Performing Arts Venues

Today, Thursday 10 June 2021, Creative Scotland announces details of £25m additional emergency funds to help cultural organisations and venues prevent insolvency or significant job losses due to the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This funding was confirmed by the Scottish Government on 02 June.
£13m will be made available through a further round of Creative Scotland’s Culture Organisations and Venues Recovery Fund and £12m through a further round of the Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund.

Both funds will be open to previous recipients of funding from the first round who are in need of further emergency support and new applicants that were eligible for the first round who are now in need of emergency support.

Both funds will also include an option for urgent payment of a proportion of the emergency funding being applied for, to support any organisations who are at immediate risk of insolvency.

Full guidance is published today, the funds will open for applications on 17 June and close for applications on 24 June.

Any urgent emergency payments to mitigate risk of immediate insolvency will be made from 01 July, with further payments being made from the end of July, following full assessment.

Iain Munro, Creative Scotland Chief Executive said:“We very much welcome this much needed additional emergency funding to support Scotland’s cultural organisations and performing arts venues, who continue to deal with the challenge of closure or partial closure due to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic.

“Following confirmation from the Scottish Government on 02 June, everyone at Creative Scotland is working as quickly as possible to deliver this funding. As reflects the seriousness of the situation, this includes early payment of a proportion of funds to any organisation at immediate risk of insolvency.”

Jenny Gilruth, Culture Minister said:“The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the culture sector has been profound, and the Scottish Government is determined to support the sector and performing arts venues as they continue to deal with its consequences.

“Which is why I am pleased that this further £25 million of additional emergency funds will now be available to support cultural organisations and venues address their urgent and critical needs.”