Open letter to Scottish Culture Secretary, Fiona Hyslop

Composer

As a retired TV producer I am appalled at the short-sighted and inconsistent policy on funding. The arts are a vital and growing part of both the economy and the cultural identity of the nation and they cannot flourish without consistent support for tot-quality arts. Elite sports are funded without question' The arts is no less important.

Just listen to the voices of reason please!!

Artist

Even prehistoric cultures understood the importance of art.

Freelance Lighting Technician

Board Member Lung Ha Theatre Company

I am privileged to be Aunt/sister/sister-in-law/godmother to 5 amazingly talented Scottish musicians whose stunning skills have changed lives and brought unbelievable pleasure to thousands... Don't let funding take this away from anyone.

Freelance Stage Manager

Not sure if any answer will satisfy everyone, but the current set up is an unmitigated and arbitrary farce

Theatre maker, performer and lecturer

Really interested to be included in a discussion about improving the funding systems in Scotland. Have had a varied level of success in fundraising from a range of funders (not just CS), so keen to contribute my experience for a hopefully better way for all Gaynor Milne SambaYaBamba SambaYaBamba Youth Street Band The Encontro Street Band Festival Producer/Director/Manager/Co-ordinator & ... Most of all... Lover of bringing folks together to make some good stuff happen, cos that's why we're alive :)

For democracy's sake!

Supporting this as a Scottish traditional music performer & teacher.

International performer

I continue to be shocked at the lack of clarity and transparency that is wholly apparent in CS funding decisions. Hard decisions may have to be taken but in so much of life, it is not what you do but how you do it that makes the difference. There has to be a better way forward that can be creative, dialogic and more demonstrably fair. In hope!

My company has not applied for / received regular funding, and so has not been affected by the recent CS decision making. I am however in support of a review for my fellow artists that do apply for/receive funding, so that the system for allocation of funds is fair and transparent for all (including my company which may want to apply in the future). Gemma, Adventure Circus

I deeply dismayed by the lack of communication, transparency regarding funding decisions or clear guidance from Creative Scotland. We just had to cancel 23 dates for a theatre tour, have had inaccurate responses to application, the list goes on. This organisation needs to be completely overhauled.

Communicado Theatre and Free Lance artist

Performer/Visual Artist