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Scottish Government announces support for cultural projects

Support for culture sector: confirmation of further capital investment in 2011-12

More than £1.1 million Scottish Government support for culture projects has been announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs.

In a Scottish Parliament debate on the Year of Creative Scotland 2012, Fiona Hyslop revealed details of the capital investment.

It includes Barnett consequential allocations for 2011-12 totalling £840,000:
· £300,000 for the National Library of Scotland, including contributions towards the Kelvin Hall project and improvements at the Causewayside building.
· £300,000 to the National Galleries of Scotland for maintenance, repairs and the improvement of facilities for visitors.
· £240,000 to the National Performing Companies to be invested in new equipment for performance and education work.
In addition, National Museums Scotland has received £300,000 for estates maintenance from the existing 2011-12 capital budget.

The Culture Secretary said, "Scotland is a creative nation. The Year of Creative Scotland 2012 is an opportunity to celebrate and promote our cultural strengths on the international stage.

“As well as the fantastic events and outstanding new work featured in the 2012 programme, the Year will highlight the incredible wealth of cultural and creative activity that is already taking place in Scotland.

“This Government is committed to ensuring Scotland’s vibrant cultural sector continues to thrive. What goes on behind the scenes is critical to the success of the performances, exhibitions and activities enjoyed by people all over Scotland, both home-grown audiences and visitors. That is why we are continuing to invest in and enhance the infrastructure supporting the sector.“

Background

£1.1 million for culture projects from 2011-12 Barnett consequentials was announced yesterday by Finance Secretary John Swinney: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/01/economy31012012

The allocation of £840,000 of those consequentials has been confirmed. Details of the remaining funding will be announced in due course.

The National Performing Companies have received individual allocations as follows:
·        Scottish Ballet - £44,000
·        Scottish Opera - £54,000
·        Scottish Chamber Orchestra - £53,000
·        RSNO - £41,000
·        National Theatre of Scotland - £48,000

The Year of Creative Scotland began on January 1, 2012 and will spotlight and celebrate Scotland’s cultural and creative strengths on a world stage. Through a dynamic and exciting year-long programme of activity celebrating our world-class events, festivals, culture and heritage, the year puts Scotland’s culture and creativity in the international spotlight with a focus on cultural tourism and developing the events industry and creative sector in Scotland. More information about the programme can be found at: www.visitscotland.com/creative

The Year of Creative Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative led in partnership by EventScotland, VisitScotland, Creative Scotland and VOCAL. More information and resources to help businesses and organisations engage with Year of Creative Scotland are available at  www.visitscotland.org/yearofcreativescotland-toolkit

Casting for The Sleeping Beauty in Newcastle this week

Casting for The Sleeping Beauty in Inverness

Casting for The Sleeping Beauty in Aberdeen

Video of Sleeping Beauty webcast

Casting for The Sleeping Beauty in Edinburgh

Behind the scenes event at National Museum of Scotland

This Saturday (14th January), we will be hosting a free behind the scenes event at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Starting at 12noon, you will enjoy highlights from a special Scottish Ballet broadcast filmed backstage at Festival Theatre, followed by a talk on the production and the chance to meet one of the dancers. This event is suitable for all ages, not just children!

Places are free. To book, call the National Museum of Scotland on 0300 123 6789.

Getting to National Museum of Scotland.

Associates classes this week

Please note that due to weather damage to Studio 2, Mid and Senior Associates classes on Saturday 7th January have been cancelled.

Junior Associates classes will resume on Sunday 8th January.