120 jobs at risk at Perth's Horsecross Arts

70 part-time and 50 full-time jobs hang in the balance as talks at Horsecross Arts charity begin in what bosses call a "painful last resort".

The group, which runs Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre, had been making the most of the government furlough scheme, although there's uncertainty over when the curtains can come up on live performances.

With the furlough scheme halting at the end of October and no clear direction as to when the arts sector could restart shows, the charity say it is on a financial cliff edge.

Horsecross Arts Board Interim Chair Steven Stewart said: "Even with the government support and some public funding, we rely on ticket sales, our conference business, and our cafes and bars to meet our monthly outgoings.

"With no clear picture as to when and how our venues will be able to open again, the Board had no alternative but to take these steps now."

Perth's two premier arts venues have been closed since shortly before lockdown in March and hundreds of events have been cancelled or rescheduled, resulting in a 70% drop in income.

Horsecross Arts Chief Executive, Nick Williams said: "Live performance is our lifeblood and, while some organisations have room to adapt to continue trading, our income stream has been turned off overnight.

"The unprecedented situation is impacting the culture and arts community across the UK and has even seen some theatres go into administration.

"We decided it was best to take these difficult decisions now so we were in the best possible health to protect the future of the charity for everyone."

Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre will remain closed until at least September.

Members of the Box Office team will continue to contact ticket-holders with details of rescheduled shows and process refund requests.

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