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Call for rethink after theatre has funding cut

Thea Kellock
BBC Scotland News
Cumbernauld Theatre The outside of Cumbernauld Theatre. It is a modern, red brick building with large windows. Cumbernauld Theatre
The theatre was established in 1963 and moved to the Lanternhouse in 2021

A Scottish government minister is calling on Creative Scotland to rethink its "disappointing" decision not to grant funding to Cumbernauld Theatre.

The theatre has been running for more than 60 years and moved into a new purpose-built arts venue less than four years ago.

Last week, it released a statement saying it was "heartbroken" after it was the only regularly-funded organisation which had its application for multi-year funding turned down, putting 44 jobs at risk.

Jamie Hepburn, the SNP MSP for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, described the theatre as the "jewel in the crown" of the local community and said he would do "everything he can" to secure its future.

Mihaela Bodlovic A performance of Treasure Island at Cumbernauld Theatre. A woman dressed as a naval captain holds on to some fake rigging. In the background are two actors besides a large prop book.Mihaela Bodlovic
The theatre serves the communities of Cumbernauld and wider North Lanarkshire

Creative Scotland is an arms-length body responsible for distributing arts and creative industry funding provided by the Scottish government.

Last week, it revealed the 251 organisations which will share more than £200m in funding over the next three years.

Cumbernauld Theatre currently receives £266,000 per year from Creative Scotland, which will be discontinued from the beginning of April.

Sarah Price, the chief executive of the theatre, said: "Cumbernauld Theatre is a vital part of Scotland's cultural landscape

"While this decision is devastating, we remain committed to exploring every possible avenue to secure the future of our theatre."

The theatre has said it will apply for the Transition Fund offered by Creative Scotland.

This fund is designed to provide short-term funding for organisations that were previously funded on an ongoing basis but were unsuccessful in their multi-year funding application - like Cumbernauld Theatre.

Mihaela Bodlovic A performance of Pinocchio at Cumbernauld Theatre. One woman is dressed as a fairy Godmother with wings and a wand. Another woman is dressed as Pinocchio.Mihaela Bodlovic
Cumbernauld Theatre welcomes about 40,000 visitors per year

Creative Scotland have seen a substantial uplift in its budget from the Scottish government.

It says this has allowed it to fund the largest portfolio of cultural organisations ever to be supported on a multi-year basis in Scotland - with 141 organisations receiving multi-year funding for the first time.

Alongside the 251 organisations which will receive grants, 14 other organisations will be supported by a development fund.

Fifteen organisations, including Cumbernauld Theatre, had their application turned down.

A Creative Scotland spokesperson told the BBC that they are meeting with the theatre's leadership to discuss why their application was rejected and their options for future support.

They said: "Until those discussions have happened, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further."