Creative Scotland Delays Funding Decisions Until 2025

Creative Scotland has announced a three-month delay in finalizing Multi-Year Funding awards for 281 arts organizations, originally expected by October, due to uncertainties regarding the Scottish Government's budget. The funding, totaling £87.5 million, will now be decided by the end of January 2025, contingent on the Scottish Government's budget clarity following the UK budget announcement on October 30. Culture Secretary Angus Robertson emphasized that the government is committed to increasing cultural funding by £100 million annually by 2028-29, but cannot confirm specific allocations without clarity on its own budget. This delay has raised concerns among arts organizations, including Dundee Contemporary Art, which expressed fears about their uncertain futures. The ongoing uncertainty follows months of cultural funding challenges, affecting numerous venues and organizations across Scotland. Stakeholders are calling for immediate clarity to mitigate the impact of this extended wait on the arts sector.