‘Alternative funds’ can save theatre

THE Scottish Youth Theatre could be saved from closure through an alternative Creative Scotland funding stream, the arts funding body’s chief executive has suggested.

The theatre has announced its imminent closure after failing to secure regular funding from Creative Scotland, but Janet Archer said it was “possible” the theatre could make up the shortfall through project funding applications.

The Glasgow-based organisation, which has been running for more than 40 years, has helped shape the careers of international stars such as Karen Gillan, best known for her role as Amy Pond in Dr Who, Kate Dickie, who has starred in Game Of Thrones and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and Gerard Butler, of 300 and Olympus Has Fallen.

Ms Archer said the youth theatre could apply for “project funding” of up to two years at any time, amounting to £100,000 per project, or £150,000 with special permission, and organisations can apply for more than one project.

“Not many, but some organisations have managed to work project funding in a way that helps them to be more flexible to respond to opportunities as they arise,” she said.

Asked if this could plug the youth theatre’s £200,000 shortfall, Ms Archer added: “That’s possible. My staff will always say it’s under huge pressure, so we’re only able to fund one in three of the applications that come in. But there is a possibility that Scottish Youth Theatre could come into open project funding and be successful.”

Ms Archer said she was “disappointed” when the theatre announced it would have to close in the summer, because Creative Scotland had been in talks with the organisation at the time about an alternative funding plan.

SNP MSP Joan Mcalpine, convener of Holyrood’s Culture Committee, said: “A couple of weeks ago my committee did have Janet Archer and the former chair in front of us and we were very dissatisfied with the answers they gave us in terms of how they made those decisions,” she said.

“They reversed some decisions a few weeks ago because of an outcry, and they told my committee the process needed reviewed, that it was flawed, and they came and gave an apology.

“So you have to look at organisations like the SYT who are not successful in that process Janet Archer said was flawed, so no wonder they’re upset about the decision-making, as a lot of other people are.

“She said they had been in dialogue with Creative Scotland since the decision was made, but I have been speaking to SYT and they told me they had had one meeting with Creative Scotland, where they were told there is open project funding and nothing else – take it or leave it – and that is a competitive process that takes time.”

Scottish Youth Theatre chief executive Jacky Hardacre said she was working on a separate plan to win “national company” status for the organisation.

Kate Dickie said Scotland must fight to try to keep SYT going. “It offers something unique to our country in bringing kids and young people from all over to work together and put on plays, not just acting but directing, writing, it just keeps that pathway open for our young people,” she said.

The theatre could come into open project funding and be successful