
Brian Cox and Amy Lennox back Aberdeen Arts Centre fundraiser
The Succession star is just one of many famous Scots who have backed the campaign, as Call the Midwife star Laura Main and Kinky Boots and Cabaret actor Amy Lennox have also given their support.
Hollywood director Jon S Baird, magician Barry Jones, and virtuoso percussionist Evelyn Glennie have also lent their support to the Save Aberdeen Arts Centre campaign.
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Eve Nicol, programming and creative director, has called for audience members to donate £11.25 each in a bid to reach their first goal.
She said: 'Aberdeen Arts Centre is home to more than 35 local performing and community groups that make use of the venue every year.
'The centre's Creative Learning and Artist Development programmes also offer support to those engaging in the arts at all levels, from beginners of all ages to local professionals furthering their craft.'
Nicol added: 'The opportunity to perform or express yourself creatively can be a lifeline for people of all ages, for so many different reasons. That's why we are so passionate about supporting grassroots performance.
'It's not just about the joy of stepping on stage; it's also about the skills you learn for life, including teamwork, resilience and self-confidence.
(Image: Aberdeen Arts Centre)
'Appearing on our stage sets up so many young people for life, whether they choose to pursue the arts or another career. Without major support, we risk losing that vital resource here in Aberdeen.'
The centre, which opened more than 60 years ago and has a 350-seater auditorium, has warned of a 'critical funding gap' as running costs rise.
Spiralling operational costs have forced the organisation to dip into its reserves, which in turn, has meant it has become ineligible to apply for certain grants.
Bosses at the Aberdeen Arts Centre have set an initial target of raising £180,000 by July 1, in a bid to increase reserves before going to Aberdeen City Council to ask for funding to be reinstated.
Chair of the Aberdeen Arts Centre's board of trustees, Sharon Robertson, said that even a small donation would help protect the venue's future.
She said: 'Since its inception, Aberdeen Arts Centre has been a creative lifeline for local performers, artists and audiences alike. Through donations and subsidies, we've kept our venue accessible, ensuring the arts remain a vibrant part of our city. But today, we need your support more than ever.
'The cost of running the centre has surged in recent years, creating a critical funding gap. We've recognised the need to diversify our income streams and are actively implementing a sustainable financial strategy to secure our future.'
Robertson added: 'Every contribution, big or small, helps protect this space for the local creative community. Your support keeps artists on stage, ideas alive, and culture thriving.
Aberdeen Arts Centre has faced hardship before. In 1998, renowned local drama teacher Annie Inglis gathered 14,500 signatures to save the centre from closure.
You can click here to donate.
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