This funding, previously withheld, had led to the closure of the Open Fund for Individuals. In the ten days between the fund's closure announcement and the final submission deadline, Creative Scotland received 819 applications, with a total funding request of nearly £12 million—roughly six months' worth of support.
In addition to reinstating the funding, the Scottish Government has also announced a review of Creative Scotland’s operations and structure to ensure they meet the evolving needs of the cultural sector.
‘We joined the sector-wide calls to reinstate the Open Fund for Individuals and wrote an open letter to our MSP Beatrice Wishart, and we extend our thanks for any role she may have played. We look forward to fully participating in the review of Creative Scotland and requesting that Scottish Government reviews all of its investment in creativity and culture.’
-Graeme Howell, Chief Executive of Shetland Arts.
