Credentials in question

Aberdeen has bold aspirations to turn itself into a major cultural centre as part of its city centre transformation. Indeed, it has had its sights set on becoming a UK City of Culture.

How do they square that with pulling the rug from under one of its best known cultural events?

The Aberdeen International Youth Festival (AIYF) has been associated with the city for more than 40 years. It is almost within touching distance of its golden anniversary.

So, why would Aberdeen City Council choose to axe its funding now? It pumps in around £150,000 to the event every year. With a quarter of its funding vanishing after next year’s festival, it is no wonder one of the organisers admitted that carrying on would be a major challenge.

In terms of the council budget,

£150,000 is peanuts, but in branding and goodwill it is hard to put a value on the event. Many will be scratching their heads in bemusement.

There is a very real chance that, after the summer of 2018, AIYF will become a fading memory. The decision seems odd on various levels, so it would be helpful if the council could be far more detailed about its reasoning. After all, it generated much joy to audiences and inspiration to young people.

As a potential city of culture, should it not be preserving culture?

“It would be helpful if the council could be far more detailed about its reasoning”