|
£3.5 million for theatres in Scotland
|
A major funding package of £3.5 million over the next three years for the country's theatre sector was announced today.
Culture Minister Mike Watson said the Executive was still committed to the creation of a National Theatre for Scotland, but was giving priority to careful preparation so that it could be developed on a stable infrastructure.
He explained:
"I am delighted to announce substantial additional funding of £3.5m for the theatre sector over this and the coming 2 years.
"We have an ambitious theatre sector in Scotland of which we can be proud. I want to see it achieve its full potential and establish a profile which ranks with the very best international work. I am therefore asking the Scottish Arts Council to ensure that the additional funding is directed to this fundamental objective.
"I have listened carefully to the voices of those within the sector who have said that it would be a mistake to proceed with the ambitious National Theatre project without addressing the pressing issues facing our existing companies. I agree that this must be the priority. This funding will achieve that purpose by letting the theatre sector give its full attention in the coming year to consolidating, improving the quality of its performance, and ensuring a stable infrastructure.
"This will prepare the way for the eventual establishment of a National Theatre for Scotland. I will ask the Scottish Arts Council to prepare a more detailed plan for its development, building on the valuable work already done. The first productions which it commissions should take place in 2004.
"The future funding of the National Theatre, the theatre sector and the arts more widely will be fully considered in the coming spending review."
Ministers announced in November 2000 that subject to a successful feasibility study, a total of £2 million was earmarked for the National Theatre project. Mr Watson's announcement confirms that this money will be released for financing of theatre more widely.
In addition a further £1.5 million will be provided by the Executive to boost the existing theatre infrastructure. It is intended to help it to develop quality performances and productions, while paving the way for the development of the National Theatre.
|
Sarah Argent
web site: |
e-mail: |
Monday, January 28, 2002 |
|
|
|
|
Older news
stories have been carefully archived.
2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999
