These increases fall short of what Scotland’s music sector needs and the £100m promised by First Minister Humza Yousaf. Image credit: Shutterstock.
Let your MSP know why arts funding matters, and how their choices now will affect your future. The MU welcomes Scottish Government’s funding increases for culture and heritage, and for Creative Scotland.
However, these increases fall short of what Scotland’s music sector needs and the £100m promised by First Minister Humza Yousaf.
That funding is needed now
Acting MU Regional Organiser for Scotland and Northern Ireland Sam Dunkley said:
“Increased funding for the arts is always welcome news, but the Draft Budget falls far short of the £100m boost to arts and culture promised by the First Minister. That funding boost is needed now, front loaded to support arts and culture organisations and jobs at risk.
“Creative Scotland is getting £6.6m to offset a National Lottery shortfall, and another £6.6m to top up its reserves after an in-year cut by the Scottish Government in 2023. So what looks like good news on paper won’t help our members or the organisations that employ them.
“Our National Performing Companies have been given a 3% increase. This won’t scratch the surface of rising touring costs, energy costs, the ongoing impact of UK pandemic closures and the cost of living crisis. It’s a perfect storm and it needs the Scottish Government to act now.”
Email your MSP for support