Latest news with #CastlegateArts
The Herald Scotland
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Iona Fyfe slams Aberdeen councillors over arts venue funding
Singer and songwriter Iona Fyfe, who is from Huntly, a small town north-west of Aberdeen, told The Herald: 'It is really concerning that Aberdeen City Council has chosen not to support Aberdeen Arts Centre with funding from its contingency budgets. '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.' Read more: NHS board spent £269,000 in battle against rats, birds, insects, and rabbits 'A grim reality': Glasgow City Council spent £106m to house homeless last year First Minister John Swinney to meet with Donald Trump during Scottish holiday 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.'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Call the Midwife star backs fight to save theatre
A star of the BBC hit drama Call the Midwife has made an impassioned appeal for funding to protect the future of a Scottish theatre which inspired her to become an actress. Laura Main is backing a campaign to save Aberdeen Arts Centre, which is facing the threat of closure after a recent bid for £170,000 funding was rejected by the city council. Those running the theatre say they're determined the curtain won't fall for a final time and have launched a public appeal for help. Aberdeen City Council said the funding application submitted by the centre wasn't accepted as it didn't meet its guidance for grant-giving. The centre, which is operated by Castlegate Arts, has been staging productions since the 1960s, hosting a number of well-known amateur dramatic groups and community projects. It has now launched a £660,000 fundraising appeal over three years, with an initial target of raising £180,000 by 1 July this year. Main, who is from the city, and plays nurse Shelagh Turner in the popular series, featured in many performances at the arts centre as a teenager. She told BBC Scotland News the experiences inspired her to pursue a career in acting. "When I first stepped foot in this place at the end of the 80s, that was the moment that made my life go in a certain direction," she said. "It's about the community, it's about coming together as a team and putting on shows. "It's just a really incredibly special place, that means an awful lot to a huge amount of people. "The thought of Aberdeen losing this place is quite frightening really. It would be tragic." The Centre's Interim Executive Director, Sharon Catchpole, said the centre filled a gap in the city that other venues couldn't match. "We've got this fantastic building but the maintenance and the cost of and heating and lighting it is significant - and rising all the time," she said. "We have, 35 different community amateur groups that use us, 35,000 people come and see our shows, and some of those groups have 2,000 plus children who need backstage space. "We have found ourselves in a situation more recently where funding that we were used to getting, we didn't succeed in obtaining, so that's put us in an even more precarious position." Ms Catchpole said they still had bookings until 2027, were "very much still open", and were continuing to operate in a normal way – but they needed the public's help. "We are looking for people to dip their hands in their pocket and please just give us a small amount. It all counts," she added. "Just please help us to save our Aberdeen Arts Centre." An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: "The Castlegate Arts application to the council's culture investment programme, which was considered at the budget on 5 March, did not comply with the 'following the public pound' guidance for grant giving. "Unfortunately, the council is not able to provide any financial assistance to organisations which do not meet these national legislative requirements. "Castlegate Arts continue to receive support from the Common Good fund to cover the costs of renting the art centre from Aberdeen City Council." He added that council finance officers had scheduled a meeting with the centre's accountants at the end of the month. More stories from North East Scotland, Orkney and Shetland Listen to news from North East Scotland on BBC Sounds
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Call the Midwife star backs fight to save theatre
A star of the BBC hit drama Call the Midwife has made an impassioned appeal for funding to protect the future of a Scottish theatre which inspired her to become an actress. Laura Main is backing a campaign to save Aberdeen Arts Centre, which is facing the threat of closure after a recent bid for £170,000 funding was rejected by the city council. Those running the theatre say they're determined the curtain won't fall for a final time and have launched a public appeal for help. Aberdeen City Council said the funding application submitted by the centre wasn't accepted as it didn't meet its guidance for grant-giving. The centre, which is operated by Castlegate Arts, has been staging productions since the 1960s, hosting a number of well-known amateur dramatic groups and community projects. It has now launched a £660,000 fundraising appeal over three years, with an initial target of raising £180,000 by 1 July this year. Main, who is from the city, and plays nurse Shelagh Turner in the popular series, featured in many performances at the arts centre as a teenager. She told BBC Scotland News the experiences inspired her to pursue a career in acting. "When I first stepped foot in this place at the end of the 80s, that was the moment that made my life go in a certain direction," she said. "It's about the community, it's about coming together as a team and putting on shows. "It's just a really incredibly special place, that means an awful lot to a huge amount of people. "The thought of Aberdeen losing this place is quite frightening really. It would be tragic." The Centre's Interim Executive Director, Sharon Catchpole, said the centre filled a gap in the city that other venues couldn't match. "We've got this fantastic building but the maintenance and the cost of and heating and lighting it is significant - and rising all the time," she said. "We have, 35 different community amateur groups that use us, 35,000 people come and see our shows, and some of those groups have 2,000 plus children who need backstage space. "We have found ourselves in a situation more recently where funding that we were used to getting, we didn't succeed in obtaining, so that's put us in an even more precarious position." Ms Catchpole said they still had bookings until 2027, were "very much still open", and were continuing to operate in a normal way – but they needed the public's help. "We are looking for people to dip their hands in their pocket and please just give us a small amount. It all counts," she added. "Just please help us to save our Aberdeen Arts Centre." An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: "The Castlegate Arts application to the council's culture investment programme, which was considered at the budget on 5 March, did not comply with the 'following the public pound' guidance for grant giving. "Unfortunately, the council is not able to provide any financial assistance to organisations which do not meet these national legislative requirements. "Castlegate Arts continue to receive support from the Common Good fund to cover the costs of renting the art centre from Aberdeen City Council." He added that council finance officers had scheduled a meeting with the centre's accountants at the end of the month. More stories from North East Scotland, Orkney and Shetland Listen to news from North East Scotland on BBC Sounds
BBC News
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Call the Midwife star backs fight to save theatre
A star of the BBC hit drama Call the Midwife has made an impassioned appeal for funding to protect the future of a Scottish theatre which inspired her to become an Main is backing a campaign to save Aberdeen Arts Centre, which is facing the threat of closure after a recent bid for £170,000 funding was rejected by the city running the theatre say they're determined the curtain won't fall for a final time and have launched a public appeal for City Council said the funding application submitted by the centre wasn't accepted as it didn't meet its guidance for grant-giving. The centre, which is operated by Castlegate Arts, has been staging productions since the 1960s, hosting a number of well-known amateur dramatic groups and community has now launched a £660,000 fundraising appeal over three years, with an initial target of raising £180,000 by 1 July this who is from the city, and plays nurse Shelagh Turner in the popular series, featured in many performances at the arts centre as a told BBC Scotland News the experiences inspired her to pursue a career in acting."When I first stepped foot in this place at the end of the 80s, that was the moment that made my life go in a certain direction," she said."It's about the community, it's about coming together as a team and putting on shows."It's just a really incredibly special place, that means an awful lot to a huge amount of people."The thought of Aberdeen losing this place is quite frightening really. It would be tragic." The Centre's Interim Executive Director, Sharon Catchpole, said the centre filled a gap in the city that other venues couldn't match."We've got this fantastic building but the maintenance and the cost of and heating and lighting it is significant - and rising all the time," she said."We have, 35 different community amateur groups that use us, 35,000 people come and see our shows, and some of those groups have 2,000 plus children who need backstage space."We have found ourselves in a situation more recently where funding that we were used to getting, we didn't succeed in obtaining, so that's put us in an even more precarious position." Ms Catchpole said they still had bookings until 2027, were "very much still open", and were continuing to operate in a normal way – but they needed the public's help."We are looking for people to dip their hands in their pocket and please just give us a small amount. It all counts," she added."Just please help us to save our Aberdeen Arts Centre."An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: "The Castlegate Arts application to the council's culture investment programme, which was considered at the budget on 5 March, did not comply with the 'following the public pound' guidance for grant giving."Unfortunately, the council is not able to provide any financial assistance to organisations which do not meet these national legislative requirements."Castlegate Arts continue to receive support from the Common Good fund to cover the costs of renting the art centre from Aberdeen City Council."He added that council finance officers had scheduled a meeting with the centre's accountants at the end of the month.
Press and Journal
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Aberdeen Arts Centre 'may need to close' as funding blow scuppers future plans
When Eve Nicol took over the creative director role at Aberdeen Arts Centre earlier this year, she had grand ambitions of injecting new life into the historic theatre. But just months later, she is now facing the threat of closing the King Street landmark. It comes as a lifeline plea for about £170,000 in funding from the council was rejected. A dejected Eve told us that there could soon come a 'tipping point' where bosses run out of money to keep the venue alive. In an emotional interview, the theatre veteran lifted the lid on her fears for the future… The 200-year-old Aberdeen Arts Centre is one of the city's most impressive buildings – having started out as the North Parish Church. It was converted into the entertainment venue in 1963, providing a space for thousands of people to perform. In 1999, Castlegate Arts was founded to run it as an independent arts venue and charity. And in 2022, management announced major plans to modernise the centuries-old building. Just a few months ago, Eve – originally from Glasgow – arrived to help steer it into the future. Since coming to the Granite City, Eve says one of her 'delights' has been hearing how much the theatre means to people. 'You get a real sense that this is a place where people have discovered not only a love for the arts, but also who they are as individuals,' she smiles. Upcoming shows planned to have audiences grinning include a production of The Little Mermaid by local group The Ragamuffins, Shazam Theatre's version of The Wizard of Oz and an evening with Still Game stars Mark Cox and Jane McCarry. However, looking after the storied city centre premises comes at a cost. The A-listed building is now in need of 'essential refurbishment'. With this in mind, Castlegate Arts put in the recent application for funding. They wanted cash to improve the building – partly to stop 'sound bleeds' and ramp up the number of shows on offer. These 'bleeds' are where music from one performance can be heard in other parts of the facility – and they currently prevent the centre from showcasing more than one performance at a time. However, those ambitions have now been left in limbo. The local authority's finance committee decided not to award any cash to Aberdeen Arts Centre when members met to discuss how best to carve up £2.3m of UK Government funding. While the brains behind other cultural projects like the Belmont Cinema revamp, Woodside's Station House Media Unit and Aberdeen Performing Arts celebrated grants, Eve and those running the venue were crestfallen. Speaking to us in a meeting room at the troubled theatre, Eve explained how the blow could affect it. 'We are finding that more and more doors are getting closed to us, so our opportunities are getting smaller and smaller,' Eve tells us. 'And with each door that closes, the creative lives of the people of Aberdeen are getting put into more and more jeopardy.' Eve admits the financial situation is bleak, and could put the future of this A-listed building at risk. 'By not achieving the funding, it means that we will be in a position of stasis rather than growth,' she says. 'And it's just how long that stasis is going to be sustainable for', she sighs… 'Because there will be a tipping point where it becomes unsustainable.' With the loss of this funding, Eve tells us the risk of closure is a reality the team will have to face. They are now pondering what to do next. Fighting the centre's corner during the cash talks, councillor Marie Boulton had stressed that the funding provided the venue with an essential 'lifeline'. She told council members at the meeting: 'You have the ability to keep those doors open and keep those shows running.' But finance convener Alex McLellan stood by the committee's decision-making process. Mr McLellan told members that the centre 'did not tick' strict UK Government criteria boxes. Reports from officials explained that projects would need to be completed by next year, among other requirements. Mr McLellan said: 'We heard risk around Castlegate Arts in terms of not following the public pound, and the risk associated with that could mean that funding was handed back to the UK Government. 'This is an open application process, for all organisations in the city to bid into and everyone should be considered equally. 'We don't have that reassurance on some of the applications and therefore they couldn't be considered in the context of the application process.' Eve is determined not to let the curtain fall just yet.
