‘Transformative’ arts projects ‘being stymied by funding cuts’

Culture can be “completely transformative” for communities in Scotland but the arts sector is struggling with budget cuts and a lack of longterm planning, MSPs have been told.

Increasing financial pressure on councils means local arts and culture are “always trumped by emptying the bins”, the Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee heard.

Arts leaders, including the boss of Edinburgh’s festivals, spoke about the impact of culture and the problems organisations are facing.

Festivals Edinburgh director Julia Armour cited the Platforms for Creative Excellence (Place) programme as an example of how guaranteed funding over a longer period can make “amazing things happen”.

The scheme is a partnership between the Scottish Government, Edinburgh City Council and Edinburgh Festivals, with funding for a range of creative and community projects committed over five years.

Ms Armour explained the £1 million-a-year guaranteed funding from each partner “has been completely transformative because we are able to have that long-term view”.

Each witness spoke about how funding is falling as local councils’ budgets are being stretched by austerity.

Ken Hay from Culture Aberdeen said: “At the moment, whatever the ambition is locally, it is always trumped by emptying the bins or making sure kids get their education.”

Jennifer Hunter, the executive leader of industry body Culture Counts, praised the Irish model for funding culture, explaining there is central funding to ensure every local authority has an arts team.