News comes as sector launches #FreedomToDance campaign
SCOTTISH nightclub operators should be able to apply for a share of a Scottish Government fund on Thursday September 17.
Creative Scotland, the public body responsible for distributing Scottish Government funding to arts, culture and creative industries, and which is administering the £15 million Culture Organisations and Venues Recovery Fund, has announced that it will publish eligibility criteria and application guidelines on Thursday September 10, with applications opening on September 17.
The fund covers a number of different types of venues that “provide opportunities for audience engagement”, including galleries, performing arts spaces, commercial theatres, comedy clubs and nightclubs.
Payments from the fund will be made by the first week in November.
The news comes as representatives of the Scottish late night sector launched a new campaign, #FreedomToDance, calling for urgent support from the Scottish Government.
The campaign is urging people to post on social media with the #FreedomToDance hashtag in support of nightclubs, events and festivals. It comes after operators warned of “financial armageddon” if the sector is not backed by the Scottish and UK governments.
Andrew Fleming-Brown, managing director of Glasgow venue SWG3, said: “Nightclubs, events, and festivals are a huge part of Scotland’s cultural profile and the UK’s fifth-biggest industry. Without urgent support from the government, the sector faces financial collapse and thousands of job losses. Please get behind #FreedomtoDance and help us fight for survival.”
