In considering the Regularly Funded Music network, our decisions have been framed by Creative Scotland’s 10-Year Plan and the Arts Strategy 2016-17. We have also reflected ways in which the wider music sector has significantly changed in the period from 2015, when the previous Regular Funding portfolio was launched, to where it is likely to be in 2021. This relates in particular to future focused sector development as traditional income sources such as album sales and record label support recede and new models such as streaming emerge.
The Regular Funding Network 2018-21, more fully encompasses all music genres – across contemporary; jazz; classical; and trad - with the activities of the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMiA) and the Scottish Music Centre targeting not only development of rock, pop, indie and electronic acts but also industry infrastructure such as management, copyright, archiving and publishing. This complements our support for organisations that focus on participatory practice, education and community outreach, promotion of emerging and established musicians, and grassroots volunteer-led activity.
Equalities, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are woven through the music network, from the sector-leading participative work of Drake Music Scotland and Paragon Ensemble, to the dynamic output of hard-to-reach young people working with Tinderbox Collective and the inclusive nature of the programme devised by Glasgow East Arts Company at Platform. Exemplary education and outreach work are also major components of the year-round activity of organisations including Red Note Ensemble and Scottish Ensemble, who are internationally respected for their expert musicianship and concert programming. The same high level of excellence is found in the output of baroque and classical specialists, The Dunedin Consort.
Support for youth is also embedded in the Network and, crucially, in all genres, from the classical repertoire (National Youth Orchestras of Scotland, National Youth Choir of Scotland) to jazz (Scottish National Jazz Orchestra), folk and trad (Feis Rois, Feisean nan Gaidheal, National Piping Centre) to rock/pop/indie/electronic activity.
Scotland’s traditional music, with Gaelic and Scots at its heart, is supported to create clear progression paths from the grassroots level of the Feisean movement, through the all-age sector celebration of Hands Up for Trad, to the world-class stage of Celtic Connections. Scotland’s vibrant festival calendar is also recognised with funding for the Edinburgh International Festival and St Magnus Festival in Orkney, while a geographical spread of musical activity is captured by programming in far-flung venues and organisations such as Comar on Mull, An Lanntair on Lewis, Eden Court Theatre in Inverness, Aberdeen Performing Arts, Horsecross in Perth, The Barn in Banchory and Shetland Arts Development Agency.
Scotland’s music will forever be a broad spectrum, and that is reflected in the Regular Funding 2018-21 Network. Music touches everyone who lives in Scotland, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or ability, and the organisations included in the Music network are reaching out across the country, from urban centres to rural communities, from domestic bases to international spotlights.
Find out more about the Regular Funding Network 2018-21.
Image: Scottish Music Centre – Hit the Road / Photo: Euan Robertson