More than 100 artists and novelists have signed a protest letter to Creative Scotland, criticising the management of the Scottish government’s arts organisation.
Nathan Coley, Callum Innes and Martin Boyce are among the signatories who said they see “an organisation with a confused and intrusive management style married to a corporate ethos that seem designed to set artist against artist and company against company in the search for resources”.
Until April 2013, Creative Scotland finances 58 “flexibly funded” organisations, as well as 41 foundation organisations.
Under the new arrangement, Creative Scotland’s portfolio from 2013 will include 44 foundation organisations and 22 annual service level agreements. In addition to this, more than £15m in “open programme investment” will be available to about 49 bodies.
But earlier this year, Scottish arts professionals raised concerns that funding on a project-by-project basis would replace “secure” two- and three-year contracts for the 49 organisations.
Novelist Andrew O’Hagan said: “I signed the letter in solidarity with fellow Scottish artists who feel that Creative Scotland has become a divisive force in the arts.
“Ireland looks out for its writers and artists, Scotland does not. Creative Scotland has, unfortunately, created an adversarial atmosphere that feeds on anxiety. This is bad news for Scottish artists and artistic companies, and it has to change.”
Sandy Crombie, chairman of Creative Scotland, said in a statement last month that the board acknowledged that a lot of the concerns were valid.
He added that the board had discussed the role of specialist knowledge, simplifying language and processes, and had reaffirmed its commitment to long-term funding.
“The board has been surprised by the strength of feeling expressed over recent months,” added Crombie.
“All of us at Creative Scotland are determined to do our jobs in an optimum way to allow those involved in the arts and cultural sector to perform at their creative best. Sometimes it is uncomfortable to hear what people say, but it is always helpful.”
Meanwhile, Scottish culture secretary Fiona Hyslop has told board members to “engage directly with the sector, to address the points raised and communicate what action is already being taken”.
Nathan Coley, Callum Innes and Martin Boyce are among the signatories who said they see “an organisation with a confused and intrusive management style married to a corporate ethos that seem designed to set artist against artist and company against company in the search for resources”.
Until April 2013, Creative Scotland finances 58 “flexibly funded” organisations, as well as 41 foundation organisations.
Under the new arrangement, Creative Scotland’s portfolio from 2013 will include 44 foundation organisations and 22 annual service level agreements. In addition to this, more than £15m in “open programme investment” will be available to about 49 bodies.
But earlier this year, Scottish arts professionals raised concerns that funding on a project-by-project basis would replace “secure” two- and three-year contracts for the 49 organisations.
Novelist Andrew O’Hagan said: “I signed the letter in solidarity with fellow Scottish artists who feel that Creative Scotland has become a divisive force in the arts.
“Ireland looks out for its writers and artists, Scotland does not. Creative Scotland has, unfortunately, created an adversarial atmosphere that feeds on anxiety. This is bad news for Scottish artists and artistic companies, and it has to change.”
Sandy Crombie, chairman of Creative Scotland, said in a statement last month that the board acknowledged that a lot of the concerns were valid.
He added that the board had discussed the role of specialist knowledge, simplifying language and processes, and had reaffirmed its commitment to long-term funding.
“The board has been surprised by the strength of feeling expressed over recent months,” added Crombie.
“All of us at Creative Scotland are determined to do our jobs in an optimum way to allow those involved in the arts and cultural sector to perform at their creative best. Sometimes it is uncomfortable to hear what people say, but it is always helpful.”
Meanwhile, Scottish culture secretary Fiona Hyslop has told board members to “engage directly with the sector, to address the points raised and communicate what action is already being taken”.