(VIP-NEWS) — The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) has issued a stark warning to the Scottish Government, urging immediate action to prevent the collapse of Scotland’s music and arts sector.
The call comes in response to the closure of Creative Scotland’s Open Fund for Individuals and delays in opening applications for the Access to Making Music and Strengthening Youth Music Funds.
These decisions, attributed to the Scottish Government’s failure to release previously allocated Grant-in-Aid funding, have sparked what the SMIA describes as the most severe crisis the sector has ever faced. The organization warns that without urgent reinstatement of these critical funds, Scotland`s cultural landscape is at imminent risk of collapse.
In a powerful move to rally support, the SMIA has published an Open Letter addressed to First Minister John Swinney. The letter, which is available for public reading, implores the government to recognize culture funding as essential and act swiftly to ensure the sector’s immediate survival and long-term sustainability.
The SMIA is calling on artists, industry professionals, and music businesses across Scotland to sign the open letter. Those who wish to add their voices to the campaign must complete a Google Form by 2pm on Friday, 30th August 2024 – the same day Creative Scotland’s Open Fund for Individuals is set to close. The SMIA intends to send the letter, with all signatories, to the First Minister immediately after the deadline.
“We implore the Scottish Government to act now,” the SMIA stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “Culture funding must be deemed essential.”
This rallying cry reflects the growing concern within Scotland’s creative community about the potential long-term impact of these funding cuts on the cultural sector. With the clock ticking, the SMIA and its supporters hope that the government will respond before it’s too late.
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