More funding for Shetland Arts

SHETLAND Arts has received more than £125,000 from a fund designed to support performing arts venues in Scotland.

The organisation secured cash boost from the second round of Creative Scotland’s Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund.

Shetland Arts CEO Graeme Howell said: “It is a great vote of confidence in the work we do that Creative Scotland is continuing to back our vision for how to support the performing arts sector’s recovery from the impacts of the pandemic.

“We will be using this money to build upon the success of the Refresh Now programme we presented in April, more details of our plans will be announced in the next few weeks.”

Culture minister Jenny Gilruth said the fund will “play a key role in stabilising many venues and businesses as the sector begins to recover”.

It is the latest funding boost for Shetland Arts, which was awarded nearly £250,000 from the same scheme in August.

The events sector, meanwhile, should receive a significant boost next week when legal social distancing requirements in Scotland are removed.

Distancing will be removed for Shetland Arts venues from Wednesday.

However the use of face coverings will still be needed where applicable.