An Ally For Creative Workers
We feel very bealeaguered at the moment in the Scottish artistic community.
But it’s important we remember we do have allies in parliament on our side….
With his permission, I’m reprinting my MSP’s reply to my open letter to him last week…
Creative Scotland | Open Fund for Individuals: closure of fund
Dear Shona [Shona Robison MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government]
I am writing to you concerning the unexpected announcement by Creative Scotland,
on 19 August 2024, to close the Open Fund for Individuals to new applications from
tomorrow, 30 August 2024. I am also copying this letter to Angus Robertson MSP
and Kate Forbes MSP, given their responsibilities for Culture and the Economy.
As you will be aware, my constituency of Edinburgh Northern and Leith is home to
many brilliant and innovative creatives and businesses who rely on financial support
from Creative Scotland, or started their careers with the help of such support, via the
Open Fund for Individuals.
Since 19 August, many constituents have written to me sharing personal stories of
how the Open Fund for Individuals has assisted them in starting, sustaining and
bolstering their careers, while enriching our society and economy with art and
creative enterprise. From their experience and insights, constituents and relevant
local organisations have emphasised to me their concerns that the closure of this
fund will most probably result in a much less accessible, less culturally diverse, and
less dynamic cultural sector.
My constituents and I am grateful that the Scottish Government is committed to
investing at least £100 million more annually in culture and the arts by the financial
year 2028-29, despite the immense pressures on public spending at this time –
however, we are perplexed that the closure of the Open fund for Individuals seems
contrary to the Scottish Government’s commitment to this £100 million investment.
Many constituents have also conveyed to me that the sudden closure of the fund,
with such short notice, has understandably created alarm among creatives.
Moreover, announcing the closure of the fund during the remarkable summer
Edinburgh Festivals seems nonsensical and insensitive to many of my constituents.
I acutely appreciate the need for the Scottish Government to review its finances
following the announcement by the UK Government Chancellor on 29 July 2024, and
that there are extraordinary pressures on the Scottish Government’s budget.
However, many of my constituents and I believe that closing Creative Scotland’s
Open Fund for Individuals is not an appropriate response. Culture funding has a
multiplier effect in local economies, is a huge and growing contributor to GDP and
GVA, and its social benefits are well understood. This was well documented in the
Scottish Parliament’s Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee’s
enquiry last year into Culture in Communities. Funding the arts also helps to reduce
demand on other budget portfolios like health, justice and social security, as it can be
useful for helping with social prescribing and raising employability prospects.
Creative businesses and artists are key to building a wellbeing economy and society.
I share my constituents’ concerns about the sudden closure of Creative Scotland’s
Open Fund for Individuals and the wider need for reliable and sustainable long-term
funding to support new and emerging creative artists and enterprises.
Considering this, I would be grateful if you could reconsider the closure of this fund
at this time and advise what discussions you and your officials have had with
Creative Scotland and key stakeholders regarding the closure of the fund.
Additionally, please could the Scottish Government confirm what alternative creative
arts funding is available to individual artists, as well as confirming if there is a
possibility that the fund will be re-opened in the near future, or next financial year, or
be replaced? Any information you are able to provide would be much appreciated.
Many thanks for giving this matter your attention and in advance for your response.
Best regards,
Ben Macpherson MSP
cc:
Angus Robertson MSP,
Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture
Kate Forbes MSP,
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic