Moray arts and culture – Why £1.68m was given to these groups
An opinion piece by Angus Robertson, the Scottish Government’s Culture Secretary and a former MP for Moray.
Last month marked a transformative moment for Scotland’s cultural sector, one that reaches into communities across the country, including Moray – an area I know extremely well.
Findhorn Bay Arts, Dance North Scotland CIC, and Frozen Charlotte Productions have all been awarded multi-year funding from Creative Scotland, reinforcing their vital roles in driving creative excellence, community engagement, and innovative artistic practice across the local area. This investment secures the future of these organisations, enabling them to continue providing opportunities for artists, developing skills, and enhancing Moray’s creative identity.
Over the next three years, more than £200 million will be allocated to over 250 cultural organisations across Scotland. This support will sustain theatres, arts projects, festivals, dance schools, and more. But this funding is not simply about keeping doors open; it is about enabling communities like Moray to innovate, grow, and inspire.
The scale of this funding commitment cannot be overstated.
More than 140 organisations are joining this funding stream for the first time—more than doubling previous numbers. Crucially, the support is guaranteed for three years.
This stability will allow organisations like Findhorn Bay Arts, Dance North Scotland CIC, and Frozen Charlotte Productions to plan, nurture talent, and deliver outstanding creative programmes without the threat of financial uncertainty.
For Moray, this is particularly significant. These organisations are at the heart of the area’s cultural life.
Findhorn Bay Arts has built a national reputation for its vibrant festivals and community arts projects, fostering creativity and participation throughout the region.
Dance North Scotland CIC is a powerhouse for contemporary dance, bringing cutting-edge performance and artist development to Moray while engaging communities in movement and well-being.
Frozen Charlotte Productions are celebrated for their innovative theatre work and commitment to inspiring young audiences and emerging artists. Their work transcends performance. It uses culture to connect people, spark conversation, and place Moray firmly on Scotland’s cultural map.
These organisations understand the power of the arts to shape communities, promote social cohesion, and foster personal growth.
This latest investment from Creative Scotland allows them to continue doing what they do best: creating and showcasing bold, thought-provoking work while ensuring that the benefits of cultural engagement reach every corner of Moray.
Culture is right at the heart of our communities. From intimate storytelling sessions to large-scale festivals, from grassroots community arts to pioneering new performance work, creativity has the power to unite, challenge, and inspire.
This is an investment in the creativity of Scotland’s people; from Moray to the Borders and beyond.
It enables artists, performers, and cultural organisations to focus on their work: creating art that moves us, challenges us, and enriches our everyday lives.
Culture is not a luxury; it is the fabric of our collective experience. From the children’s theatre show that sparks young imaginations to the ceilidh that brings families together, from new dance productions that push artistic boundaries to music sessions in village halls; culture connects us to each other.
It brings joy, creates belonging, and offers a space to reflect on who we are and where we are going.
That is why the Scottish Government made the conscious choice to significantly increase the budget for Scotland’s culture sector, enabling Creative Scotland’s multi-year funding awards.
This was not an easy decision. But Scotland recognises that culture is essential to the health and prosperity of our communities.
In the wake of the pandemic, Brexit, and the cost-of-living crisis, people are seeking not just economic security but emotional and social nourishment. Culture provides hope; a place to gather, reflect, and build resilience.
It also drives economic growth. Scotland’s creative industries contributed approximately £5.7 billion to the economy in 2022. Our festivals, arts centres, and cultural organisations stimulate local economies and attract visitors from around the world.
Last month’s funding announcement signifies more than financial support. It signals a shift—from merely sustaining Scotland’s culture sector to actively growing it. We are committed to increasing culture budgets by £100 million annually by 2028-29, ensuring a vibrant and resilient future for the arts in Scotland.
For Moray, this means that Findhorn Bay Arts, Dance North Scotland CIC, and Frozen Charlotte Productions can continue to innovate, collaborate, and elevate Scotland’s creative reputation on a national and international stage. It ensures that artists have the support they need to take creative risks, push boundaries, and engage audiences in new and meaningful ways.
This is a moment of renewal. The real work begins now.
