Cumbernauld Theatre launches petition as Creative Scotland axes funding

Cumbernauld Theatre - a local cultural cornerstone for more than 50 years - now faces an uncertain future after its multi-year funding bid was turned down by Creative Scotland.

The theatre, which relocated to a state-of-the-art venue less than four years ago, has been left “heartbroken” by the ruling, putting 44 jobs at risk.

Currently, the venue receives £266,000 annually from Creative Scotland, a support that is set to cease from the beginning of April.

While 251 organisations will share more than £200m over the next three years—and 141 will receive multi-year support—Cumbernauld Theatre was the only regularly-funded body to be overlooked.

The theatre has now launched a petition which has amassed more than 5,000 signatures.

The petition reads: "We believe that this decision is unfair, based on a failure of process, and it will place at risk the future direction of the organisation, its employees and its vital work with the local community.

"For over 50 years, Cumbernauld Theatre has been a home for original Scottish theatre-making, innovative live performance, and a thriving participatory arts programme.

"Every year, it welcomes over 40,000 audience members, artists, and participants, offering a diverse and inclusive artistic programme that inspires, challenges, and enriches lives.

"This funding decision places all of this at risk.

"Without this funding, the Theatre will no longer be able to produce new work, support artists, or deliver the community programmes that so many people rely on.

"Local audiences will lose access to live performance, young people will lose opportunities to take part in creative activities, and Scotland’s theatre sector will lose a producing house that plays a vital role in developing and showcasing new work.

"The decision to remove funding from Cumbernauld Theatre also contradicts Creative Scotland’s own strategic aims of supporting cultural access, community engagement, and the development of original Scottish work.

"We urge Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government to recognise the long-term impact this will have on the community, and to work together with Cumbernauld Theatre Trust to find a common-sense solution, providing funding which will secure the future of the Theatre."

Sarah Price, the theatre’s chief executive, insisted that the institution is a “vital part of Scotland’s cultural landscape” and said its management remains determined to explore every avenue to secure its future.

Price confirmed that the theatre intends to apply for the Transition Fund, a short-term financial lifeline for organisations in its position.

Meanwhile, Creative Scotland has stated that discussions are underway with theatre leaders to review the rejected application and future support options, leaving local supporters anxious for a positive resolution.

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