Arts Community holds "Emergency" Holyrood Protest over Culture Cuts
Demonstrators Plead with the Scottish Government to reverse cuts to Creative Scotland's Budget.
An ‘emergency’ demonstration of over 100 creative workers and MSPs was held today outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, against recently announced cuts to Creative Scotland. The protest was called by creative workers and performers trade union Equity, and attended by creative workers such a playwright Peter Arnott, sister trade unions and MSPs.
“It sends a message that the sector’s not important, that they can just be cut at a moment’s notice”
MSPs including Neil Bibby (Labour Culture Spokesperson), Katy Clark, Alexander Stewart (Conservative Culture Spokesperson, Pam Duncan-Clancy, and Maggie Chapman joined the demonstration.
Lothians MSP Sarah Boyack (Labour) said “It sends a message that the sector’s not important, that they can just be cut at a moment’s notice”
“It’s astonishing, last year the SNP/Green government proposed cuts to local arts funding by cutting Creative Scotland’s budget. We ran a big campaign, lots of support, and we were delighted the culture committee supported the money being reinstated, because people value arts and culture.”
“So we’re here again, because the Scottish government have said ‘nah we’re going to U-turn on that, we’re going to cut the budget again’ and it’s just totally unacceptable. So it’s quite inspiring to see the culture sector and the trade unions coming together and saying ‘no, our constituents, the people we serve need arts and culture in Scotland.”
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said “The Scottish Government has an obligation to balance the budget each year and prioritise funding to deliver the best value for every taxpayer in Scotland.”
“As a result of persistently high inflation and the impact this has had on overall costs and public sector pay settlements – following the economic and financial damage caused by Brexit and the austerity policies pursued by successive UK governments for more than a decade, we are unable to cover the shortfall in Creative Scotland’s National Lottery funding this year.”
“To support the culture sector and help protect jobs this year, Creative Scotland has agreed to use part of its own funding reserves to cover this year’s shortfall. As the national body responsible for funding and supporting our creative industries, I expect Creative Scotland to use all resources at their disposal.”
“I am pleased they have agreed to do so at this challenging financial time for us all, and subject to the usual parliamentary process, expect the Scottish Government will be able to cover next year’s shortfall within the Budget for 2024/25.”