This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scottish businesses cashing in on the arts
10/10/2006
The arts in Scotland have attracted £830,000 in sponsorship in the last five months after a scheme backed by the Scottish government was taken up by 28 private companies getting involved for the first time.
In April the Executive launched the New Arts Sponsorship Awards scheme which pledged to match any first-time sponsorship from the private sector.
Since then, new sponsors have contributed £510,000, triggering almost £320,000 in payments from the public purse.
The scheme effectively doubles any funding from new sponsors at a minimum of £1,000 (in cash or kind) up to a maximum of £50,000 for each project.
It has attracted a number of significant businesses to the arts sector in Scotland including Rolls Royce, Microsoft UK, BAE Systems, Scottish Widows, Isle of Jura and MacLean Electrical Group.
The scheme is funded through the Scottish Arts Council and managed by Arts & Business Scotland, an organisation working to build private sponsorship.
Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson said:
"I am delighted that 28 new businesses have decided to sponsor the arts, bringing £830,000 into the sector in just five months.
"Scotland's business community is discovering the many benefits of arts sponsorship and at the same time support arts organisations in increasing their revenue."
Barclay Price, Director, Arts & Business Scotland, said:
"To attract 28 new businesses to sponsorship of the arts is marvellous news.
"Although business sponsorship of the arts in Scotland currently stands at around £9.4 million, there are still many businesses that have not recognised that arts sponsorship offers a cost-effective route to assist brand differentiation, corporate social responsibility objectives and staff development. This funding however, has been a great way of encouraging businesses with no previous experience of arts sponsorship, to get involved and reap the rewards."
The New Arts Sponsorship Award (SENASA) scheme was launched in April 2006, with 800,000 set aside over two years.
Arts and Business has awarded £319,937 to 28 projects since the scheme was launched. These awards have attracted £509,429 of new investment from private businesses.
Businesses must be sponsoring the arts in Scotland for the first time, or must not have sponsored the arts in Scotland since March 31, 2003.