Alan Cumming expresses frustration over funding issues in Scotland’s arts scene, likening the government and Creative Scotland to a troubled couple.
Edinburgh: Alan Cumming, the Broadway and Hollywood star, has some strong feelings about the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland. He recently described them as a “dysfunctional divorcing couple” when it comes to how they handle funding for the arts.
As the new artistic director for the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Cumming shared his thoughts ahead of the upcoming funding decisions. He mentioned that the arts community feels “harmed, stressed, and exhausted” by the current situation.
Last August, Creative Scotland had to close its open funding to new applicants because they were running out of cash. It was a tough call, but they felt it was necessary.
Then, in September, First Minister John Swinney announced that Creative Scotland would receive financial support to reopen the fund. Cumming found the whole situation frustrating and said it seemed like the announcement was meant to embarrass the government, which it did.
He believes it’s time to rethink how arts funding is distributed, calling the current system “clearly broken.” Cumming has been vocal about the need for change, especially after protests from performers during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
He pointed out that many artists are left in limbo, unsure if they’ll have jobs in the coming months due to delays in funding decisions. It’s a tough spot for everyone involved.
Cumming likened the situation to kids waiting for pocket money from their parents, saying, “All the artists are like their kids wondering if they are going to get any pocket money.” He feels that while the Scottish Government values the arts, the way they’re getting funding isn’t working.
He expressed concern for those who have dedicated their lives to the arts, saying it’s disrespectful to leave them hanging. The uncertainty has been tough, with many waiting to see if they can continue their work.
Creative Scotland has faced delays in its long-term funding program since 2022, and plans to announce a new program were pushed back due to budget reviews. However, they did receive an additional £20 million for the first year of the new funding program.
The Scottish Government has promised to increase arts spending significantly by 2028, which is a positive sign. Cumming has spoken with key figures in the government and believes they genuinely want to support the arts.
However, he insists that Creative Scotland needs to do a better job serving the arts community. The ongoing issues have only added to the stress and exhaustion felt by many in the field.
