Published: 30 Apr 2019
Scotland’s inaugural Cymera Festival of science-fiction, fantasy and horror writing joins 40 artists, dancers, choreographers, musicians, writers, theatre makers, festivals and organisations to receive a share over £850,000 National Lottery funds in the latest round of Creative Scotland’s Open Project funding awards.
This November marks 25 years of the National Lottery and its thanks to the players that we’ve been able to support these talented artists, programmers and organisations to create and present high-quality work across Scotland.- Iain Munro, Acting Chief Executive
The awards have been made to support the development, production and presentation of wide and varied cultural experiences, including the development of new work and activity that broadens – or removes barriers – to participation across the arts, screen and creative industries.
Full details of all awards can be found below:
A cross section of these projects and activities includes:
The inaugural Cymera Festival of science-fiction, fantasy and horror writing which will take place from 7–9 June 2019 in Edinburgh. Organiser, Ann Landmann anticipates that: “Cymera will contribute towards breaking down the boundaries between genre writing and general fiction and highlight its literary merit.”
One of Scotland's leading Science Fiction writers, Ken MacLeod also commented “For Scotland to have its own festival of science fiction, fantasy and horror is long overdue. From classics to comics, the fantastic in Scottish literature has a storied history. Cymera lights a bright beacon for its future.”
Dundee-based games developer Stormcloud Games is collaborating with Scottish author and screenwriter Alan Campbell to create a new game titled Sentient exploring the role of Artificial Intelligence in society.
Frank Arnot of Stormcloud Games commented: “Sentient examines society’s fear of the rapid technological advances that many believe will ultimately lead to the creation of an all-pervasive Artificial Intelligence. Sentient explores this theme by involving the audience in a fictional near-future world where they play the role of a smart building AI system so advanced that it has become self-aware.”
Inua Ellams’ hit production Barber Shop Chronicles will tour to Scottish venues including Eden Court, Inverness and The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh as part of the show’s 2019 UK Tour. Starring an all-Black male cast, the production is an uplifting, hilarious and insightful contemporary play. It invites the audience into a uniquely masculine environment where the African diaspora is celebrated.
On bringing the work to Scotland, Kate McGrath of Fuel commented: “We’re hugely proud of this joyous and soulful production of Inua’s important and life-affirming play. We are particularly excited, given Fuel’s deep and longstanding dedication to national touring, to be working in partnership with two really strong venues in Scotland. It’s a brilliant opportunity to develop Fuel’s commitment to growing young and diverse audiences for contemporary theatre nationwide.”
Glasgow-based band INYAL and multi-award-winning Mànran will tour Australia; Inua Ellams’ hit production Barber Shop Chronicles will tour to The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, and Eden Court, Inverness, as part of the show’s 2019 UK Tour; CAMPLE LINE located in South West Scotland will present a thought-provoking programme of international contemporary art and film, and artist run space, and The Queens Park Railway Club will continue to programme events including exhibitions and residencies for artists and writers in the Southside of Glasgow.
Iain Munro, Acting Chief Executive at Creative Scotland said: “From Shetland to the Borders, these awards bring together communities and people from across Scotland to experience and enjoy high quality artistic and creative experiences.
“This November marks 25 years of the National Lottery and its thanks to the players that we’ve been able to support these talented artists, programmers and organisations to create and present high-quality work across Scotland.
“Alongside funding from the Scottish Government, The National Lottery forms a vital part of support for the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland. Last year Creative Scotland awarded £10.6m to over 490 individuals and organisations across Scotland through the Open Project Fund.
“Whilst we’re able to support a staggering range of work there are many more applications we would like to support, if more funds were available.”
Open Project Funding is available to organisations and individuals working across Scotland in the arts, screen and creative industries. It supports a broad spectrum of activity including creative and professional development, research and development, production, small capital requirements, touring and collaborations, festivals, arts programming and audience development. Full application guidance for the Open Project Fund can be found on our website: http://www.creativescotland.com/funding/funding-programmes/open-project-funding
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here. We enable people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring them to life. We distribute funding provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery.
For further information about Creative Scotland please visit www.creativescotland.com. Follow us on Twitter @creativescots, Facebook www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland and Instagram www.instagram.com/creativescots.
Media Contact
Sophie Bambrough, Media Relations & PR Officer, Creative Scotland.
E: sophie.bambrough@creativescotland.com
T: +44 (0) 131 523 0016
M: +44 (0) 7747 606 146
Switchboard: +44 (0) 330 333 2000
Images: Barber Shop Chronicles (Marc Brenner); Good Vibrations Resonate RCS; Julia James-Griffiths, The Box; Archie Brennan, Dovecot Apprentice, Circa 1947 (Dovecot Studios); Music at Paxton
