Scottish Arts Council Flexible Application Process
30/04/2008
The Scottish Arts Council today published the outcomes of its recent application process for flexible funding for 2009-2011.
‘Flexible’ funding was introduced in 2006 as a consequence of the Scottish Arts Council’s strategic review and it is designed to make room for innovation, growth and development within the sector, by supporting:
- the development and presentation of programmes of activity that are artistically driven
- the development and presentation of programmes that aim to maximise audience attendance
- for arts organisations which have a strategic role in the development of a key policy area or serve a particular community of interest
More than 100 applications for flexible funding were received, seeking total support of £15 million pounds. Sixty-three organisations were successful and £6.9 million has been awarded by the Joint Board of Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen for two years beginning in April 2009.
The standard of applications was high overall and demonstrated that many organisations are ambitious to create new work or to work in innovative ways.
For some organisations, such as Arika Heavy Industries and Ankur Arts, this award represents a first, longer-term commitment to support their work.
Increased investment has also been offered to organisations working with and for disabled artists including Sense Scotland, Birds of Paradise, Independ-Dance and Drake Music Project.
Dub Busters, who publish the successful Itchy Coo series, dance organisation Company Chordelia, the Hebridean Celtic festival and the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra have also received substantial awards. Glasgow’s Common Guild, an artist-led visual arts organisation, is also newly flexibly funded.
Several unsuccessful applications to this fund were from organisations that have a particular role within different sectors or geographic areas, these included: Pitlochry Festival Theatre, the Scots language; the voluntary sector; and Dumfries and Galloway.
In recognition of the impact that these decisions have and reflecting the Scottish Arts Council’s national overview and responsibilities, it is already working closely with both Perth and Kinross Council and Dumfries and Galloway Council to develop a sustainable and joint approach to arts provision in these areas which we will progress with all partners, including the organisations involved. A budget has been set aside for this purpose.
In addition, the Scottish Arts Council has begun a review of its overall relationship with the voluntary sector and continues to liaise with the Scottish Government on its forthcoming audit of Scots.
Jim Tough, Acting Chief Executive, Scottish Arts Council, commenting on the conclusion of the application process said:
‘This flexible settlement will allow artistic leadership to flourish and meets our original aim of responding to innovation, growth and new developments within the sector.
‘The opportunity offered by this extensive and complex process to take a national and common sense approach to significant areas of work, such as Scots and the voluntary sector, I believe will serve us well into the future.’
The criteria applying to organisations applying for flexible funding were:
- excellent artistic vision and leadership, demonstrated in your activity or your role in relation to supporting artists and art organisations to fulfil their creative and business potential;
- a commitment to continually improving your engagement with the public in your programming, education and marketing, or in your role in supporting artists and arts organisations to do this;
- good practice in the governance and management of your organisation, including your financial management;
- the practical implementation of your equal opportunities policy and your plans for widening access to ensure inclusion in all your services, employment and artistic programme;
- sources of income from other partners to support your programme as we will not fund the whole cost: at least 25% of the total cost must be from sources other than the Scottish Arts Council, or from your own resources and at least 10% of the total cost must be in cash.
The decisions made by the Joint Board last week relate to specific funding committed by Scottish Arts Council to support organisations in 2009. The Scottish Parliament is currently considering legislation to establish a new organisation, Creative Scotland.
Notes to editors
- The Scottish Arts Council is a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) which was established by Royal Charter in 1994 and is also a Lottery distributor. The organisation serves the people of Scotland by fostering arts of excellence through investment, development, research and advocacy. The corporate aims are: to support artists to fulfil their creative and business potential; to increase participation in the arts; and to place the arts, culture and creativity at the heart of learning. We invest £60m each year, including £15 million of National Lottery funding.
- Details of the outcomes of the Flexible Application process can be found at: http://www.scottisharts.org.uk/1/information/publications/1005438.aspx
Contact email(s)
media.office@scottisharts.org.uk
Issued by: Scottish Arts Council
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