New stage for Byre Theatre funding?

7th July 2010

The future may be looking up for a well-known St Andrews landmark. Talks between the Byre Theatre and Creative Scotland – the new arts body which has replaced the Scottish Arts Council (SAC) and Scottish Screen – began last week in a bid to forge a new relationship.

Last month, as it wound up its operations, the SAC made the shock announcement that it would not continue its flexible funding of the St Andrews institution after April 2011. Representatives of the Byre and Creative Scotland met on July 2.

However, despite this positive move, Byre chief executive Jacqueline McKay confirmed that the theatre would be appealing against the SAC’s decision.

She told the Citizen this week: “We look forward to continuing our dialogue with Creative Scotland to explore what the new relationship with the Byre Theatre could look like, but we will – on taking legal advice – be appealing against the SAC flexible funding process.

“We understand that this may take some time and, while that is going on, we will continue to deliver our dynamic programme for the summer and autumn.”

Source: Fife Citizen