(VIP-NEWS) — The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) has issued a stern warning to the Scottish Government, calling for immediate action to prevent the collapse of Scotland’s music and arts sector.
The appeal follows the closure of Creative Scotland’s Open Fund for Individuals and delays to the opening of applications for the Access to Music Making and Youth Music Enhancement Funds.
These decisions, which stem from the Scottish Government’s failure to spend previously allocated grant funding, have triggered what SMIA describes as the most serious crisis the sector has ever faced. The organisation warns that unless these vital funds are urgently restored, Scotland’s cultural landscape is at risk of collapse.
In a powerful move to drum up support, SMIA has published an open letter to Chancellor John Swinney. The letter, which is available to the public, calls on the government to recognise that funding for culture is essential and to act swiftly to ensure the immediate survival and long-term sustainability of the cultural sector.
SMIA is calling on artists, industry professionals and the music industry across Scotland to sign the open letter. Anyone who wants to add their voice to the campaign should fill in the Google form by 2pm on Friday 30 August 2024, the day Creative Scotland’s Open Fund for Individuals ends. SMIA will be sending a letter with all signatories to the Scottish First Minister shortly after the deadline.
“We call on the Scottish Government to act now,” SMIA said, stressing the urgency of the situation. “Culture funding must be considered essential.”
The slogan reflects growing concern within Scotland’s creative community about the potential long-term impact these funding cuts will have on the cultural sector. With time running out, SMIA and its supporters hope that the Government will act before it is too late.
