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Expo funding for Fringe showcase
14/08/2008
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is to receive an initial £200,000 from the Scottish Government's Expo Fund for a new initiative showcasing Scottish-based performing arts talent.
Twenty per cent of the Expo Fund continues to be ring fenced for this initiative in future years.
Entitled 'Made in Scotland', the project is a partnership between the Fringe, the Federation of Scottish Theatre and the Scottish Arts Council. Due to launch in 2009, it will take the form of a curated showcase which will provide a platform for Scottish-based performers to present and promote their best work at the Fringe.
Dance and theatre performers involved in 'Made in Scotland' will also benefit from the Fringe's established links with international promoters, showcasing Scottish cultural excellence on the world stage.
Culture Minister Linda Fabiani said:
"The 'Made in Scotland' showcase will be a fantastic shop window for Scottish-based performing artists. During the festivals we attract culture lovers from around the world and the Expo Fund is a great opportunity to show what fantastic performers we have right here in Scotland.
"'Made in Scotland' will allow talented artists who may not have otherwise been able to perform to bring their most ambitious work to the Fringe.
"I am therefore delighted to make this eighth Expo Fund announcement which will allow Scottish-based talent to prosper at the Fringe and raise the profile of our celebrated artists and arts organisations internationally.''
Jon Morgan, Director of Edinburgh Festival Fringe said:
"The Fringe can open up a whole host of opportunities and for Scottish artists it's on their very doorstep. 'Made in Scotland' will provide financial and developmental support so Scottish dance and theatre artists can present their work in the best possible way at the Fringe and open up other touring opportunities. We are very grateful to the Scottish Government for their generous support of this innovative new programme through the Expo Fund."
Jim Tough, acting Chief Executive of the Scottish Arts Council said:
"The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is truly international, and performers and artists from across the world flock to Edinburgh each year to be part of this unique artistic experience. For Scottish artists the world stage is truly on their doorstep and 'Made in Scotland' will help the best of Scottish talent gain maximum benefit from this event.
"We welcome this additional funding from the Scottish Government's Expo Fund for 'Made in Scotland', which will give Scottish performers the opportunity to present ambitious work within the marvellous marketplace of the Fringe. The Scottish Arts Council looks forward to working closely with the Fringe and Federation of Scottish Theatre on this initiative to profile the best of Scottish dance and theatre.''
Lizzie Nicoll of the Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) added:
"The FST is delighted that the best Scottish theatre and dance companies will be able to present themselves more effectively and ambitiously within this unique and powerful marketplace.
"'Made in Scotland' is an unrivalled opportunity for FST's members to raise the profile, expand the reach and increase the international touring and co-production possibilities for their boldest and most exciting work. FST is pleased to be working in partnership with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Scottish Arts Council to deliver this project."
Once launched for the Fringe 2009, 'Made in Scotland' will:
- Support more Scottish-based dance and theatre companies to present their best work on an international stage
- Raise the profile of the work of Scottish dance and theatre companies and offer them unique networking opportunities with promoters
- Increase the number and diversity of international promoters coming to see Scottish work at the Fringe via a year round promoter development programme
- Nurture and encourage international creative dialogue and the development of international collaborations by Scottish dance and theatre companies
- Support international touring opportunities for Scottish dance and theatre companies coming from performances at The Fringe
- Offer a year - round programme of training, support and advice to companies to allow them to maximise the impact of their appearance at the showcase
A panel of distinguished Scottish and international artists and producers has been established to advise on the development of Made In Scotland and will be responsible for curating the showcase in 2009.
The funding for the Made in Scotland showcase marks the eighth allocation from the Scottish Government's Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund.
For further information on the 2008 Edinburgh Fringe Festival Festival go to:
The planned expenditure for the Edinburgh Festivals Expo fund is £6 million over three years (2008-2009 to 2011-2012). http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/03/27092620
Resources of £1.308m have been allocated in 2008-09. The assessment process and funding is administered by the Scottish Arts Council.
Twenty per cent of the Expo Fund continues to be ring fenced for the Edinburgh Fringe Made In Scotland initiative. This approach has been developed by the Scottish Government and Scottish Arts Council in partnership with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in recognition of its status as an un-programmed, open access festival. The Fringe is a major international showcase for artists within the performing arts. Made in Scotland allows for a curated showcase of high quality performances from Scottish artists and arts organisations.
The Expo fund is available to all 12 Festivals in Edinburgh to support the development of Scottish-based work.
The main role for co-ordinating and delivering the portfolio of Expo projects falls to Festivals Edinburgh, led by Faith Liddell. A panel comprising members of the Thundering Hooves steering group and Festivals Forum has recommended the projects for funding in 2008-09.
Funding through the 'Made in Scotland' for individual companies will be distributed through open application through the Scottish Arts Council.