Robertson admits alternative funding needed for the arts
◆ Culture secretary tells Holyrood that government is open to new ideas but there is ‘no silver bullet’ for troubled sector
Culture secretary Angus Robertson has admitted alternative sources of funding need to be found to secure the future of Scotland’s arts industry and realise the ambitions of its leading festivals, events and venues.
Overseas philanthropists, stadium and tourist taxes, as well as a “percentage for the arts” scheme that would see culture secure a share of spending on new public buildings, will be explored as part of efforts to revive the troubled sector.
He admitted the existing level of support for the arts was not enough to “rectify” the impact of prolonged stand still funding.
Speaking at Holyrood’s culture committee yesterday, Mr Robertson said the government was open to new ideas on “how we can fund the sector”. But he insisted there was no “silver bullet” solution to ensure the industry thrives in future.
Mr Robertson said the initial phase of a five-year programme to increase arts fundingby £100 million would focus on how to“sustain” the cultural landscape, including helping organisations, venues and festivals back who find themselves on a financial “cliff edge”.
He revealed the Scottish Governmentwould be seeking talks with local authorities to stress the importance of keeping arts funding intact.
He said :“we have an intention of allowing all of Scotland’s citizens the equal right to access culture and the wellbeing benefits that it brings. As part of securing the future of the sector, we will explore new funding streams in addition to Scottish Government funding.
“I’m keen to progress consideration of the SNP’S manifesto commitment around a percentage for the arts and to draw inspiration from international best practice, such as Denmark’s foundation model. I’m aware of the campaign by the Music Venues Trust regarding using a stadium tax to support grassroots venues.
“I’m keen that we develop further links with key philanthropists within Scotland and globally. I want government networks internationally to support the export of Scottish culture and the sector’s resilience. Our international culture strategy will support this ambition.”
The government has been under fire over research suggesting Scotland has slumped to 28th out of 34 countries in Europe when it comes to arts funding.
Mr Robertson told MSPS: “It is right that we look at all potential options for supporting the arts sector that we can. we have to acknowledge that, in some respects, other countries are ahead of us. The visitor levy is a good example of that.
“I’ve thought for quite a while that, in addition to what the government and what local authorities do, and additional funding streams, that we also have an opportunity to work much more closely with people who, through their generosity or the generosity of trusts and foundations they may be involved. I think we can work much better together with the philanthropic sector, both domestically and internationally.
“I look forward to exploring all of these things. None of them provide the single answer to the concerns we
I think we can work much better together with the philanthropic sector Angus Robertson
know about very well, but they can all potentially play a part to help the sector be as well funded as it should be.”
Mr Robertson said it was important to highlight the government was only part of the “public sector funding picture.”
He added: “Many organisations receive money from local authorities. We will work with [council umbrella body] Cosla to ensure that all local authorities understand the important role that culture makes.
“We are at a key turning point in terms of funding for the arts in Scotland. Other administrations in the UK are reducing their culture budgets. We are restoring ours.
“I have great ambitions for how the sector should grow and thrive. I want to have more opportunities for people across Scotland to experience the empowering potential of culture.”
Thereismountingconcernin the arts industry over the prospect of widespread job losses, reduced programming and insolvenciesunlessmorefunding is secured in the short term. Mostorganisationsdonothave any confirmed support after March of next year.
Mr Robertson did not say what funding would be available to Creative Scotland for a new long-term funding programme, which is facing a projected gap of more than £50m ahead of key decisions being made this year, but insisted he “fully supported” the scheme’s launch.
He said he hoped the government’s pledge to increase arts funding by £25m for the sector in 2025/26 would provide “some certainty”, adding he would continuing to “argue the case” for multi-year funding for the arts.
Mr Robertson was speaking the week after Creative Scotland chief executive Iain Munro and arts industry leaders warned of the need for the Government to move “further and faster” to head off the risk of widespread “collapse”.
Thegovernmenthasrestored a10percentbudgetcutimposed inseptemberandalsoeffectively replaced a further £6m after Creative Scotland was ordered to raid some of its financial reserves during the current financial year.
He said: “I have read and listenedtotheevidencewithgreat interest. It is clear that, while the Scottish Budget and the announcement of an increase in culture funding by £100m annually by 2028/29 are welcome, there remains a need for long-term clarity and confidence.”