We fully understand and share your concern about the impact this situation is having on our creative community, which plays such a vital role in Scotland’s cultural life.
The Scottish Labour Party is deeply troubled by the uncertainty and hardship being faced by those working in the creative sector due to the Scottish Government’s failure to fulfil its funding commitments. As you note, Creative Scotland has been forced to close its Open Fund, a key source of support for artists and creative projects, because the promised government funding has not yet been confirmed.
Our Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, Culture and Sport, Neil Bibby MSP, has already taken action by writing to the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Angus Robertson MSP, expressing our deep concern and disappointment. In his letter, Neil Bibby stressed the importance of the Scottish Government honouring its previous commitments to replace the £6.6 million from Creative Scotland’s reserves and to clarify the future of the additional £100 million annual funding promised to the culture sector within the next five years.
The failure to meet these commitments not only jeopardises the stability of the sector but also erodes trust between the Scottish Government and the cultural community. It is crucial that the Government provides immediate clarification on when Creative Scotland can expect to receive this funding.
Please be assured that Scottish Labour will continue to hold the Scottish Government to account on this matter. We will do everything we can to ensure that our creative sector receives the support it needs to thrive.