Another year of standstill funding for Scotland's National Performing Companies will hugely impact the arts sector. Image credit: Shutterstock.
The MU broadly welcomes the Scottish Government’s announcement of an increase to culture funding in Scotland by £20m as part of this year’s Budget, which tracks with the firm commitments made to increase Culture spend by £100m annually by 2028/29.
Following years of under-investment, the additional funding is critical - however, we view this funding as restorative in this context, with National Performing Companies facing yet another year of standstill under-investment in the face of record inflation and rising costs.
Not enough additional funding is reaching the pockets of individual artists
Scotland and Northern Ireland Regional Organiser Caroline Sewell says:
“The additional £20m for Creative Scotland’s multi-annual funding programme is welcome, but not enough of this additional funding is reaching the pockets of individual artists and those engaged by the National Performing Companies (NPCs) who appear to have been left somewhat high and dry with this announcement, with promises of ‘jam tomorrow’.
“We urge the Scottish Government to consider the social and economic benefits presented by the NPCs and in the light of funding increases, move towards a funding model which starts with a restorative level uplift tied to inflation.
“This should, of course, be conditional on adhering to Fair Work obligations, working towards a creative sector in Scotland where workers enjoy security of work and income in a safe environment free from exploitation and harassment of all kinds.”
Years of standstill funding for Scotland’s National Performing Companies
National Organiser for Orchestras Jo Laverty says:
“A further year of standstill funding on the back of 15 years at standstill already, is an unsustainable place to leave Scotland’s National Companies in. The Scottish Government must acknowledge the acute financial challenges this decision will exacerbate.
“The National Companies have evidenced their worth to Scotland’s economy and communities and what could be achieved with greater investment. It seems therefore inconceivable the Scottish Government have not recognised their value to the nation and to Scotland’s reputation on the global stage.
“This will impact the reach of the companies into communities and education and healthcare settings. The impact on the workforce could be huge, touring output will be reviewed, ultimately leading to less work available with fewer freelance musicians engaged and the stability of employed jobs in the sector could also be under threat.”