A Fife theatre’s future remains under threat after it failed to convince Scotland’s arts body to reinstate vital funding.
The Byre Theatre had appealed against the Scottish Arts Council’s refusal to continue flexible funding support beyond next April.
However, an independent committee for Creative Scotland, which has succeeded the arts council, has rejected pleas. Flexible funding is worth £160,000 a year to the five-star arts attraction in St Andrews, accounting for almost 14% of its annual turnover of £1.2 million.
Theatre chief executive Jacqueline McKay previously warned its loss would affect jobs and its work. Meetings are to be sought with Creative Scotland to seek ways towards a safe future.
The theatre board’s chairman Frank Quinalt said on Tuesday, “The Byre is extremely disappointed that its appeal has not been upheld. The Byre made a very strong case for continued support.
“Unfortunately, the only eligible grounds for the appeal were all procedural rather than about the merits of the case as such.”
In just three years, audience figures at the Byre Theatre, which is given £290,000 a year by its biggest funder Fife Council, have more than doubled to 100,000 per annum.
There was great shock when the Scottish Arts Council announced in June it would discontinue its financial backing. Legal advice was sought and the Byre said the funds allocation process had several failings.
Ms McKay said the decision “seemed to be out of step with the thinking of other partners and supporters who have increased investment in the Byre.”New relationshipShe said, “The Byre has increased its range of partners and has been recognised for its innovative programme, education work, economic and cultural impact for the region. The Byre Theatre will be working with its lead funder, Fife Council, as well as other partners to explore a new relationship with Creative Scotland to further the theatre’s good work.
“It is important that we continue cultural investment in Fife to build upon the considerable investment already provided.”
North-east Fife MSP Iain Smith, a staunch supporter of the theatre, was extremely disappointed by the outcome.
He said, “I will be meeting with the Byre as soon as possible to discuss what the next steps should be, and will continue to press the case for the Byre with Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government.”
Applications worth £22 million are made each year for flexible funding but only £16 million is available.
Creative Scotland chief executive Andrew Dixon said, “The Byre appeal was recently heard by an independent committee which upheld the decision not to award the original flexible funding. This type of investment focuses on organisations with a strong artistic direction and offering public engagement, alongside business plans which demonstrate sustainable, sound management and strong partnerships.”