Hundreds of arts projects have Creative Scotland funding delayed amid 'extreme budget pressures'

The funding decisions for more than 200 long-term arts project have been delayed until 2025 amid “extreme budget pressures”.

Creative Scotland has pushed back the outcome of the multi-year programme to the end of January as it waits for the Scottish Government’s draft budget announcement on December 4.

A total of 281 applications, who have asked for £87.5m of annual funding, are waiting to find out their fate.

It comes after a turbulent time for Scotland’s arts and creative industries public body.

Creative Scotland had closed its Open Fund due to funding uncertainty before First Minister John Swinney announced it would reopen in the face of pressure from some of the country’s best known artists including Paolo Nutini, Biffy Clyro and Lewis Capaldi.

Before that, the organisation came under scrutiny after controversy around its funding for an explicit art project that saw performers taking part in sex scenes. Funding was withdrawn.

Other prominent cultural figures such as Booker Prize author Douglas Stuart were unhappy after the literary festival Aye Write was not awarded Creative Scotland funding.

Robert Wilson, chair of Creative Scotland, said: “While we would have preferred to announce the outcome from this application process in October as planned and have been working collaboratively with Scottish Government to endeavour to do so, we also understand the extreme budget pressures that exist.

These pressures mean we are required to postpone the outcome until such time as we have budget clarity. This will enable us to make final decisions in a context of budget confidence and to support as many organisations on a multi-year basis as we possibly can.”

Angus Robertson, cabinet secretary for culture, said: “The cultural sector is an integral part of our identity as a country. This is why we’re working hard to help the sector to fulfil its potential in Scotland by assuring at least £100m more annually in funding by 2028/29.

“We await the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s budget announcement on October 30 which has a hugely significant bearing on the Scottish budget. Following that we will be able to set detailed budgets for the coming financial year including for the culture sector.

“I will continue to work in collaboration with Creative Scotland and the sector over the coming months to ensure stability until Creative Scotland have sufficient clarity to be able to announce the recipients of their multi-year funding awards.”