Statement from Creative Scotland on Rein:
Following a review of the application, assessment, and contractual agreement regarding the project Rein, Creative Scotland has made the decision to withdraw support for this project and will be seeking recovery of funding paid in respect of this award to date.
What has emerged in the latest phase of the project represents a breach of the conditions of funding award, as the nature of the project has changed.
The central role that ‘non-simulated’ (i.e real) sex acts now play in the project, marks a significant change to the nature of the work presented in the original application which was assessed for funding. This significant change to the nature of the work has been evidenced in the most recent announcement on the project’s website, without the agreement of Creative Scotland.
Creative Scotland makes in the region of 2,000 funding awards each year. We support artists and projects across all art-forms, some of which are challenging in content, and push creative and social boundaries.
However, Creative Scotland has important responsibilities to the public for the appropriate use of public funding, and, as recipients of that public funding, award recipients also have legal responsibilities as reflected in their funding contract.
The project was awarded £84,555 through the Open Fund for Individuals on 29 January 2024 following an application, assessment, and panel decision process.
Creative Scotland’s contract for the Open Fund states that:
- No changes may be made to a project without Creative Scotland’s prior written permission
- Award recipients must start, complete and carry out the project as set out in their application. If the project is varied or the timeline does not meet the dates set out in the application, or as agreed between Creative Scotland and the award recipient in writing, Creative Scotland reserves the right to withdraw the offer of funding, and;
- Should an award recipient wish to issue a press release or make any public announcements regarding their or Creative Scotland’s involvement in the project, the award recipient must seek Creative Scotland’s prior written approval.
The above conditions apply to all recipients of funding through our Open Fund. Failure by an award recipient to comply with the conditions of the funding award entitles Creative Scotland to require repayment of any funding received by that recipient.
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports culture and creativity across all parts of Scotland, distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery.
Further information at creativescotland.com.
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