Scheme leverages millions
New fund to encourage sponsorship of arts
Ms Hyslop has announced £300,000 is being made available for the scheme in 2016/17.
The New Arts Sponsorship Scheme, run by Arts and Business Scotland in partnership with Creative Scotland, has received more than £3 million in Scottish Government funding since it began in 2006. It has leveraged £4m – in cash and in kind – of business sponsorship and attracted nearly 450 sponsors to the sector.
One project supported by the scheme, Art in Healthcare, brought 100 artworks to three hospitals in Fife, making the hospitals more pleasant for patients and staff.
It involved £10,000 funding from the New Arts Sponsorship scheme, matched with £10,000 sponsorship from Balfour Beatty.
Another brought a world-class performance of a new piece of music from Celtic Connections in Glasgow to communities across Shetland.
The first project to receive funding under the scheme ten years ago was the Edinburgh Book Festival.
Ms Hyslop said: “The New Arts Sponsorship scheme encourages businesses to become involved in the arts, doubling the money arts organisations receive and bringing the arts to people all over Scotland.
“Importantly the impact of this cultural activity has been widespread, bringing the arts to education, the environment, healthcare, older people, people with disabilities, tourism and young people.
“Against the backdrop of the UK Government’s decision to make further cuts to Scotland’s budget, we are doing all we can to protect Scotland’s culture and historic environment, to ensure our diverse and world-class cultural scene and rich heritage continue to thrive.
“This scheme is a great way of doing that and I’m proud to announce further funding.”
Chief Executive of Arts & Business Scotland, David Watt added: “To date over £7 million has been leveraged into the cultural sector through the New Arts Sponsorship Grants programme since it began in 2006. This is a fantastic achievement and we’re delighted the Scottish Government has announced further funding to allow us to continue facilitating new partnerships between the business and cultural sectors.
“Cultural activity should be at the heart of all communities throughout Scotland, and this programme is crucial in helping sustain a vibrant and thriving creative offering the length and breadth of the country.”