‘We are absolutely delighted’: Timespan’s joy at £710,941 Creative Scotland funding
Managers of a Sutherland museum and art centre with plans for an ambitious redevelopment, have said they are “absolutely” delighted with a significant funding award.
Timespan Heritage and Art Centre in Helmsdale will receive £710,941 over the next three years from Creative Scotland, the public body that supports the country’s arts, screen and creative industries.
The heritage centre is one of 251 organisations in Scotland to receive a total of more than £200 million in support. An Talla Solais in Ullapool has been awarded £150,000 and Lyth Arts Centre £465,000.
Timespan said on its social media page: “This funding will secure our core operations and enable us to continue to develop a cultural programme that tackles local issues with a global perspective.
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“Timespan has been recognised for its holistic approach, bringing together arts, heritage, digital technologies, education, wellbeing and community building, to raise critical questions and inspire collective action for a just word.
“The last few years have been financially challenging, and we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all of our funders who make it possible for Timespan to remain meaningful and vibrant.”
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Earlier this month Timespan announced that it had appointed architects to carry out a feasibility study for a proposed planned multimillion pound redevelopment of its site, a former herring curing yard. The project has attracted support from Museum Galleries Scotland and the National Lottery Fund.
The overall package awarded by Creative Scotland represents the largest ever funding commitment to Scotland’s cultural sector.
Creative Scotland chairman Robert Wilson said: “Stable, long-term funding for as many organisations as possible is the underlying principle of the multi-year funding programme, and we are delighted to be able to deliver it.
“This funding means that we are able to bring so many new, community-focused organisations into the portfolio, while at the same time providing significant increases to the more established organisations which have been on standstill, regular funding for so many years.”
Sutherland MSP Maree Todd (SNP) said it was a “momentous moment”.
She added: “In the Highlands we value our cultural sector, and this investment strengthens our commitment to supporting the artists, performers and organisations that enrich our lives and communities.
“I’m thrilled to see Lyth Arts Centre, Timespan and An Talla Solais benefiting from this investment. This funding boost will not only help sustain these existing institutions but it will also support new voices and emerging talent from all over the Highlands.”