SNP urges UK Government to protect ‘pivotal’ European funding
MILLIONS of pounds worth of “pivotal” cultural funding must be protected by the UK Government following the Brexit vote, the SNP has demanded.
The Scottish Government has requested that Westminster protects the arts funding available through the Creative Europe programme following Brexit – with the concerns over its future coming in the middle of Edinburgh’s festival season.
The UK has been the single largest beneficiary of funding from the Creative Europe programme, receiving grants totalling €40 million in 2014 and 2015.
Several Scottish arts organisations and shows have been given financial boosts by Creative Europe. Those include YDance: Scottish Youth Dance, the Shetland Amenity Trust and video service Distrify.
Creative Europe is the European Commission’s programme for support to the culture sector, and the SNP say UK participation in Creative Europe is under threat, “risking the vital funding and crossborder connections this scheme brings to creative and cultural organisations across Scotland.”
The effects of Brexit have other consequences for the arts in Scotland: galleries and museums have already expressed concerns over the possible increased costs of loaning art after the UK leaves the EU. Galleries are exempt from tariffs on the loaning of art to and from other EU countries. However, post-Brexit, galleries – fear being outside the EU will lead to extra charges.
Joan McAlpine MSP, who convenes Holyrood’s European and External Relations Committee, said: “The funding that Creative Europe provides to the cultural sector across Scotland is pivotal in allowing people and businesses to flourish. It is vital the Tory Government commits to maintaining this funding.”
A Department for Culture, Media and Sport spokeswoman said: “We will make a success of Brexit and ensure the UK’s creative industries remain huge success stories, producing an extraordinary level of talent recognised the world over.
“The European Commission has confirmed that projects currently financed through the Creative Europe programme will continue to do so at present and we will look to ensure we get the best possible outcome for the UK’s creative industries in Brexit negotiations.”