This is yet another example of the ongoing uncertainty in the creative sector in the UK, which is why I need to find new ways of thriving rather than surviving. (NOTE: I wrote this with the intention to publish it as a blog on our website however, my board didn't think it was a good idea).
Scotlands Multi-year Arts Funding
Back in July/August 2023, NEoN, along with many others in the arts sector in Scotland, submitted its “Intention to Apply” to the new Multi-year funding from Creative Scotland.
After many sleepless nights, we chose not to apply.
On Monday 25th March, I received an email asking me to complete a survey from Creative Scotland:
“We noticed that you began the process of applying for our Multi Year Funding programme by submitting an Intention to Apply, but did not complete the Stage 1 application.” They want to know why. I have found it difficult to reply, but here it is.
Question: “Finally, in terms of why you made an Intention to Apply but did not go on to submit a full application for the fund, can you tell us your reasons for this?”
My answer: The pressure to perform under such circumstances crushes ones sense of self – if you don’t succeed you lose your job, your staff lose their job and the organisation you care so much for ceases to exist. The constant struggle for funding, coupled with the looming threat of closures and job losses, creates an overwhelming sense of anxiety and despair. Tears have been shed.
It's so challenging to muster the motivation to seek funding on such a large scale as this, especially when the government fails to commit to a coherent funding strategy for the arts. The ongoing uncertainty threatens widespread closures and job losses within the sector and facing the prospect of mass redundancies in a field one is passionate about is deeply disheartening and fundamentally unjust. The perpetual back-and-forth over funding decisions only serves to demoralise, while the constant need to justify one's existence is exhausting. (See news articles below)
The stark reality of a £50 million deficit juxtaposed with a multi-year funding request of £113 million from across Scotland’s art sector, only to be met with a fund of £33 million, underscores the enormity of the challenge. The competition is enormous and the weight of that is felt by every muscle. If time were devoted to completing the application, it would necessitate halting our programme, rendering us unable to pursue other essential funding opportunities to sustain our operations. Compounded by the ongoing crisis in arts funding, we are already working reduced hours.
We find ourselves unable to meet the relentless demands of catering to audiences and supporting workers amidst the current technological, environmental, economic, and social landscape. The push for high productivity within unrealistic timeframes has led to isolation among employees and work conditions so taxing that burnout has become commonplace, inevitably impacting audiences as well.
While we are immensely grateful to Creative Scotland for their support and for getting us where we are today, particularly from our portfolio manager, we cannot continue to operate within a funding framework that feels exploitative, unjust, and indifferent to the wellbeing of those it purportedly supports.
In addition to the concerns expressed, it's essential to consider how the current funding structure may inadvertently exacerbate inequalities within the arts sector. Often, smaller organisations and those serving marginalised communities face greater barriers to accessing funding, perpetuating disparities in representation and access to cultural resources. The bureaucratic hurdles and administrative burden associated with funding applications of this magnitude disproportionately affect smaller organisations with limited resources, diverting valuable time and energy away from creative pursuits and community engagement.
The government's failure to heed the concerns and needs of the arts sector is deeply troubling. Despite repeated appeals and demonstrations of the importance of robust and sustainable funding for the arts, it seems that these pleas are falling on deaf ears. This lack of responsiveness not only undermines the vitality of the arts but also demonstrates a disregard for the cultural enrichment and economic contributions that the sector provides to society as a whole.
The government's inaction perpetuates a cycle of instability and uncertainty within the arts community, making it increasingly difficult for organisations to plan and thrive. Without meaningful engagement and dialogue between policymakers and stakeholders in the arts, the disconnect between government priorities and the realities of the sector will only continue to widen. It is imperative that the government recognises the integral role of the arts in our society and takes proactive steps to address the systemic issues facing the sector. This includes not only providing adequate funding and support but also actively listening to the voices of those who are directly impacted by government policies and decisions.
Multi-Year Funding update. 17 Aug 2023 https://www.creativescotland.com/news-stories/latest-news/archive/2023/08/multi-year-funding-update Scottish Government Draft Budget 2024/25 https://www.creativescotland.com/news-stories/latest-news/archive/2023/12/scottish-government-draft-budget-202425
Creative Scotland warns half of all arts groups could lose funding. 12th Jan 2023 https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/23246478.creative-scotland-warns-half-arts-groups-lose-funding/
Creative Scotland has £6.6m budget cut reimposed. 28 Sept 2023 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-66950426.amp
Creative Scotland warning after ‘one-off’ use of reserves to plug £6.6 million budget cut. 28 Sep 2023 https://www.insider.co.uk/news/creative-scotland-warning-after-one-31052658
Scottish Budget: Creative Scotland has cuts restored but still faces £50m funding black hole next year. 19 Dec 2023 https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/scottish-budget-creative-scotland-has-cuts-restored-but-still-faces-50m-funding-black-hole-next-year/ar-AA1lKtWk