Under-threat staff at Perth’s theatre and concert hall have mounted a campaign to save their jobs and prevent both buildings from being plunged into darkness for the foreseeable future.
Venue operators Horsecross Arts opened redundancy talks last month as a “painful last resort” to help secure its long-term future.
Staff were told that up to 120 people could lose their jobs.
Now, employees have launched a drive calling on bosses to use new state funding to safeguard jobs.
It follows the announcement of more than £100 million for Scotland’s performing arts sector from both the UK and Scottish governments.
A spokeswoman for the employee-led We Are Horscross group said: “With the pandemic leaving the arts without a clear path as to when we can re-open our doors, venues across the country are taking the decision to enter into redundancy proceedings.
“Horsecross has proposed the dismissal of 120 of its 168 staff.
“Those worst affected by this are the ones directly involved in delivering the events that we love providing. We worry that this may leave Perth Theatre and concert hall dark for a long time to come.”
The group’s spokeswoman added: “We hope that with the announcements of new funding specifically to alleviate the need for redundancies, and support from our community, Horsecross will be able to retain their dedicated staff and prepare to welcome people back soon.
“Horsecross Arts, a charity, is more than the buildings in which we operate, it is the people behind the scenes and on the stage.”
Among those who have backed the campaign, via a dedicated website, is acclaimed choreographer Christine Devaney.
“I can’t imagine Perth without Horsecross and these venues,” she posted.
“Take this away and the work that has been put in over the years will crumble, and crumble fast.”
She said: “Buildings are only useful and as good as the work that the people in them do. This is what should be supported here.”
Horsecross Arts Chief Executive Nick Williams responded to the campaign: “The redundancy consultation process is ongoing at Horsecross Arts, so it’s difficult to say much due to legal constraints.
“What I can say is that I absolutely understand the frustrations and worries of our staff.”
He said: “We are dealing with a totally unprecedented set of circumstances due to the COVID-19 crisis closing our venues down and cutting off our income, and this is about securing our ability to survive.
“As part of the collective consultation process we’re holding regular and open discussions with staff members to listen to what they have to say. News of financial support for the arts from the UK and Scottish governments offers some potential but details are not yet finalised. ”
