Eden Court Theatre in Inverness voices grave concern over arts funding cuts in letter to Scottish Government
Eden Court Theatre in Inverness is among 150 Scottish arts organisations to sign an open letter to the Scottish Government over cuts for arts funding.
They express deep concern over the “abrupt” closure by Creative Scotland of the Open Fund for Individuals, the primary route to public funding for Scottish artists to develop their projects.
The letter, which maintains the closure is “nothing short of a crisis” for the Scottish arts community, is addressed to First Minister John Swinney, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes and Angus Robertson, the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture.
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The letter states: “We, the undersigned representatives of Scottish arts organisations and festivals, are writing to express our grave and deep concern over the Scottish Government's failure to provide certainty surrounding the £6.6 million Grant in Aid budget for Creative Scotland.
“In direct consequence, Creative Scotland has announced the abrupt closure of the Open Fund for Individuals, the primary route to public funding for Scottish Artists to develop their projects.
“The closure of this vital fund is nothing short of a crisis for the Scottish arts community and directly contravenes the government’s own Action Plan 20231, which states: ‘it is vital that all eligible organisations and practitioners have the opportunity to apply for support’.
“The Open Fund for Individuals is not just a financial resource—it is the cornerstone of independent artistic creation in Scotland, supporting the livelihoods of countless artists.
“Without it, many artists are left without the means to continue their work. This risks sending a stark message out to the world: Scottish arts is closed for business.”
