Articulation is deeply concerned by Creative Scotland’s announcement on Monday 19 August of the closure of the Open Fund for Individuals. We understand that Creative Scotland is facing severe budget pressures and the uncertainty regarding provision of the Scottish Government £6.6 m Grant-in-Aid budget has led to this difficult decision.
This huge blow for all of us in the arts cannot be overstated and the consequences are likely to be devastating. The aftermath of this cut will be felt not only across the arts and cultural sector but in the urban and rural communities that artists are an essential part of. This announcement is made during the Edinburgh Festival, at a time when we welcome the world to our capital city to celebrate all the arts have to offer. If our dynamic arts and cultural sector is rendered invalid because of further financial instability the fallout will be extremely destructive, including detrimental effects on tourism and hospitality.
It is a matter of national importance that the CS Open Fund for Individuals is reinstated as soon as possible.
Artists who intend to apply for the Open Fund now have until 2pm on Friday 30th of August to submit their grant. See the announcement on Creative Scotland’s website.