The Stage

Scottish big five made ‘official’ national performing arts companies

Published Tuesday 3 April 2007 at 13:25 by Alistair Smith

Scotland’s five national performing arts companies will now be directly funded by the Scottish Executive, having been granted ‘official status’ as of April 1.

Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, the Royal National Scottish Orchestra, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the National Theatre of Scotland will no longer be administered by Scottish Arts Council and will be instead be set specific targets by the executive in relation to their quality of performance, touring, education and outreach work.

Scottish culture minister Patricia Ferguson commented: “Our national performing companies are rightly feted for the quality of their work. Being officially recognised as a national performing company carries with it responsibility. The companies will have to ensure that money which they receive from the public purse is spent wisely to deliver the best artistic performance.

“I have reiterated that nothing in these new arrangements will affect the artistic independence of the national performing companies. That must not, and will not, be compromised.”

The plans to take the five companies under the direct funding jurisdiction of the executive were first announced last year. Subsidy for the companies will rise from £19.8 million in 2006/07 to £23.1 million in 2007/08.

A spokesperson for the NTS commented: “The National Theatre of Scotland warmly welcomes the minister’s granting of official status for the national performing companies. We look forward to playing a key role in the further development of Scotland’s cultural landscape and to maintaining our commitment to the nation’s artists and audiences.”