Iona Fyfe slams Aberdeen councillors over arts venue funding
'It seems that both local and national government is developing a habit to consistently overlook the excellent work that grassroots venues and organisations are carrying out.'
Hundreds turned out in an attempt to secure the venue's future. (Image: Aberdeen Arts Centre) Independent councillor Marie Boulton lodged a motion at a meeting of Aberdeen City Council's Finance and Resources committee, asking the local authority to provide a £100,000 lifeline to the charity behind the centre.
However, a rival amendment proposed by the SNP-Lib Dem ruling partnership denied use of the council's contingency budget to aid the floundering organisation.
Cllr Boulton told The Herald: 'Castlegate Arts didn't receive funding at the budget in March due to not having three months funding in reserves and an application which Castlegate Arts accepted didn't demonstrate the amazing grassroots community arts programmes they provided.
'Anyone involved in the arts, particularly community arts, will know that they are always working with a very small amount of funds so to have three months reserves is often very difficult for them.
'Castlegate Arts has operated the Art Centre for over 25 years removing barriers for children, people with disabilities and older people, allowing access to the arts either as a performer, volunteer or as a member of the audience.'
A previous application to the local authority, asking for £170,000 of an allocated £2.3m in UK Shared Prosperity Fund cash, was rejected in May.
Aberdeen Arts Centre includes a 350 seat auditorium, a cafe bar, flexible performance and events space, and the Children's Theatre, a groundbreaking youth theatre dating back to the 1950s. More than 35 local groups use the space for performances.
Aberdeen has faced a series of cuts to libraries in recent years. Fyfe has urged people to support the organisation's campaign to keep the centre open.
She noted: 'Aberdeen Arts Centre is a mainstay in the scene of the North East and I'd urge folks to support it so that it remains a mainstay. Supporting the centre doesn't need to be a chunky donation, but attending events, or even sharing the campaign on social media.
'Things are difficult for everyone right now, but the pandemic proved to us the sheer value that the arts bring to our lives and wellbeing.'
In a statement, an Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said the local authority was already paying for the organisation's rent, and added that Castlegate Arts had not complied with a COSLA code of guidance on public spending.
They said: 'Aberdeen City Council is committed to the Arts and awarded £1.45million to cultural organisations across the city through the Cultural Investment Framework 2025/26.
"Aberdeen City Council continues to lease Aberdeen Art Centre to Castlegate Arts Ltd with the City's Common Good Fund covering any rental payment.
The spokesperson added: "Castlegate Arts Ltd continue to not comply with the 'Code of Guidance on Funding External Bodies and Following the Public Pound' published by the Accounts Commission and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), to which Aberdeen City Council adheres.
'As such, the Council is unable to provide financial assistance to organisations that do not meet these national legislation requirements.
'The Council through its External Funding Team continues to provide support to any organisation interested in accessing funding.'
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Castlegate Arts, which has run the 'grassroots' arts centre for the last 26 years, hit out at the council's decision to deny funding.
Interim executive director Sharon Catchpole said: 'While we were congratulated in Council chambers today for our campaign remaining apolitical, it is clear that the elected administration is not listening.
'The ruling coalition's manifesto commits that they will 'invest in Aberdeen Arts Centre' – however today's decision suggests otherwise.
She added: 'We are thankful to the councillors, officers, MSPs, policymakers and members of the community that did fight our corner and who stood up for grassroots arts and culture in Aberdeen.
'The community has raised an incredible £90,000 so far, and Castlegate Arts is actively exploring alternative funding solutions, partnerships, and community-driven initiatives to ensure Aberdeen Arts Centre can continue to serve the city.'
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