Proiseact nan Ealan closure

National Gaelic arts agency, Pròiseact nan Ealan (PNE), is to close after severe funding cuts.

The Western Isles-based organisation - which has been at the forefront of Gaelic arts development for the past 25 years, has been denied vital core grants from Creative Scotland, the public body responsible for distributing financial support to creative industries across the country.

After a year of seeking survival funding in vain, there is is no hope of a last minute reprieve.

Job losses will result as a consequence of the demise of the cultural body.

PNE will cease to operate in December, revealed the agency after it won the Arts and Culture prize at the annual Scottish Gaelic Awards.

Creative director, Erica Morrison, said: "We have found ourselves in a constrained financial position in recent times and, despite all our best efforts, the organisation will close next month."

She added: "Pròiseact nan Ealan has been a major part of Gaelic arts development over many years, and I wish to thank all our supporters who have contributed to our numerous achievements."

Board chairwoman Catherine Macdonald, said: "Funding is a growing problem for arts organisations and, sadly, Pròiseact nan Ealan is not immune from this.

"My thoughts are with the staff whose hard work and commitment to Gaelic arts has been validated once again by (the) arts and culture award."

Pròiseact nan Ealan were previously funded as an annual client of Creative Scotland, receiving £75,000 in 2014.

Axing that essential funding stream has been disastrous for PNE.

Creative Scotland previously said it was"not appropriate to discuss the details of individual applications with anyone other than the organisations themselves," due to business confidentiality.

It provided the body with a detailed assessment which expands on the funding decision and have met with them to discuss alternative funding routes.

It said project funding of up to two years was available through the new Open Project Funding route.

However, this would force PNE to go up against a huge number of fiercely competing bids for a tiny slice of the money pie.

The project funding scheme for Scotland is only £12 million - against the £100,000 core fund scheme budget.

PNE has won acclaim and awards throughout its history, with project such as the internationally performed and appreciated St Kilda Opera as well as its Mach ann an Deich plays.

This week's recognition at Scottish Gaelic Awards celebrates the significance of World War One multimedia production 'Sequamur' which toured locally, nationally and internationally to widespread critical acclaim.

Gairm nan Gaidheal - its series of war remembrance events won the top prize last year.

There was standing room only at its very popular Na Mo Chuid Aodaich events involved different communities hosting their own fashion shows using vintage clothing and bygone fashions.

Funding cuts forces closure of Pròiseact nan Ealan after 25 years in Gaelic arts

22 November 2015