Funding review puts arts festival’s future at risk

Council says it cannot continue to subsidise event with endless cash

A long-running Perth arts festival which has hosted gigs by Lewis Capaldi and Van Morrison is facing an uncertain future after Perth and Kinross Council moved to axe funding.

The decision has rocked the organisers of Perth Festival of the Arts, who were preparing for a huge 50th anniversary celebration in 2021.

The group has secured council cash for this year and next, but has been told after that funding “cannot go on”.

Chairman Peter Rutterford said it would be “very disappointing” if next summer’s show was the last to receive council support.

Members of the environment and infrastructure committee approved its annual award of £18,800 for the 10-day programme in May, featuring musicians Nicola Benedetti and Jools Holland.

And they agreed an extra £25,000 to support an enhanced anniversary event next year.

Previous stars have included Lewis Capaldi, Van Morrison, Calvin Harris and The Proclaimers.

Vice-convener Kathleen Baird said she hoped that the 50th anniversary would be a “special one” but added: “Maybe at that point, they will realise that this cannot go on.”

Councillor Roz Mccall added: “We do need to accept that this is not going to continue ad infinitum, and we should really be seeing them standing on their own two feet.”

The council gives £18,800 to the event in grant funding each year but the festival team pay Horsecross Arts, the council-funded arts organisation, more than £60,000 in running costs.

These fees come from renting performing spaces such as the city’s concert hall and theatre as well as production, catering, staff and box office charges.

It costs around £360,000 to stage the events, with the majority of money coming from ticket sales, trust donations and grants.

Festival chairman Peter Rutterford said: “Perth and Kinross Council have been supporters of Perth Festival of the Arts over many years, and it is through this and our sponsors that the festival has become a significant cultural event and a major success story for the city.”

He said the festival had “made a significant contribution to the life of Perth by bringing international artistes such as Nicola Benedetti and Lewis Capaldi, proving its diverse appeal”.

Mr Rutterford said: “With strong community roots, we also provide opportunities in the arts for hundreds of local children and young people each year, as well as showcasing a wide range of local venues through our events.

“The profile of Perth Festival goes beyond the city boundaries, bringing in significant revenue to hotels, restaurants and shops during its 10-day run.”

Councillors were told event organisers had struggled to attract significant sponsorship.

SNP councillor Grant Laing said the funding for 2020 and 2021 should be agreed “on the understanding that this is coming to an end”.

He said: “If you look at the figures, every paid ticket is subsidised by £26. That’s a lot of money to subsidise one person to see a show.”

Mr Laing said the festival committee should be more ambitious about its ticket sale targets, which forecast a growth of around 7%.

Picture: Shutterstock. Chart-topper Lewis Capaldi has appeared at the festival.