Organisers of a new year-round touring network for the region are encouraging anyone who is thinking about staging a quality performing arts event to apply for support.
Arts Live is a new project funded by Dumfries and Galloway LEADER Programme 2014 – 2020, Creative Scotland and DG Unlimited Regional Arts Fund. Groups and individuals seeking to put on quality live events in Dumfries and Galloway between 1 October 2017 and 30 April 2018 are urged to apply for Support for Ambition in the organisation’s Guarantee against Loss Scheme, which aims to reduce risk in staging performing arts events.
Arts Live programme director, Peter Renwick, said: “We know the risk involved in relying on ticket income can really limit the sort of event groups are willing to stage. It is hoped the scheme will develop and nurture a region-wide community-led performing arts programme.
“This will be achieved by drawing on the interests and networks of a wide range of promoters who are able to stage ambitious events in the knowledge that the costs of staging those events are covered. We are interested in supporting all types of event, music dance, theatre and comedy. It is open to anyone with a good idea for a show and the enthusiasm to see it through.”
The scheme, which was piloted last year, is open to all performing artists, venues, promoters and community groups in Dumfries and Galloway and successful applicants will receive a financial underwrite that will be paid should ticket income not cover the full cost of the event. The scheme will support the costs of staging events including artists’ fees, travel and accommodation; venue hire; publicity; set-up and technical costs; and box office fees.
Peter added: “We are expecting a good response from this call-out. Last year’s pilot scheme was very successful in bringing world-class performances to the region’s stages and also helped many of our own performing artists and venues to afford top quality shows. To launch the new scheme this year, we are looking for events which are of professional standard and would normally be too much of a risk to undertake.
“We would also encourage anyone with a performing arts event in mind to put their ideas forward and we will do our best to make it happen.”
The application deadline is 12 September.
For further information and an application form, visit www.dgartsfestival.org.uk/arts-live/galscheme
