Boss of arts quango says sorry after funding row

‘Resolve all the issues’

THE boss of arts quango Creative Scotland apologised yesterday following outcry over its handling of the latest round of arts funding.

Chief executive Janet Archer said she was ‘profoundly sorry’ as she appeared before Holyrood’s Culture Committee to explain its three-year regular funding (RFO) decisions.

The body was heavily criticised for pulling the plug on funding for 20 organisations, including high-profile theatre, music and disabled arts groups.

The controversy led to the resignation of two board members, and an emergency board meeting which saw funding restored for five of the groups. Arts organisations have called on Creative Scotland to overhaul its processes.

The quango boss told the committee: ‘I’m profoundly sorry that the delivery of this process has been a negative one for many and we can’t let this happen again. I will make sure that we learn from this moment and resolve all the outstanding issues fairly and openly.’

Regular funding was axed for 20 groups.

Concerns were raised about several of those including disability-led arts organisation Birds of Paradise, and the Lung Ha Theatre Company, which works with people with learning disabilities.

Following a backlash, those groups had their funding restored.