Culture Republic to close after Creative Scotland pulls funding
Culture Republic, the audience development agency, has seen its funding cut by Creative Scotland, which will lead to its closure at the end of August.
Culture Republic funding cut
The Scottish organization, which has a head count of 15, analyses and grows cultural organisations across the country, having been founded 14 years ago.
“Today we informed staff and key stakeholders that regrettably, Culture Republic will cease trading on 31 August,” commented Professor Alan Wilson, chair of Culture Republic.
“We are particularly sorry for the impact this announcement will have on our employees – and our diverse national membership - and we will support everyone affected.
“This decision was very difficult and was taken following a major review of the company after our bid to Creative Scotland for RFO funding was not supported. The ongoing lack of clarity at a national level of the role of data, digital and audience development – essential to helping Scotland’s cultural organisations understand, grow and diversify their audiences – also made planning for a financially sustainable future impossible,” he added.
“We recognise this is a very difficult time for all staff and we are now in the formal process of redundancy consultations with all employees and contacting our members and partners regarding the completion of outstanding project work.
“The Board would like to thank CEO Julie Tait and her team for 14 years of dedication, professionalism and loyalty and hope the legacy of our work and mission can be continued.”
The statement from the business added that a number of different business models and cost-cutting measures had been explored to continue operations, but without long-term investment, it would have to cease trading.
Julie Tait, chief executive of Culture Republic added: “It is with huge disappointment that we close our doors at a time when data and digital technology - and the skills and experience to use them – have never been more essential to drive inclusion, attendance and rapid change across the arts in Scotland.
“We have worked across the country and with inspiring cultural organisations to help understand, attract and diversify their audiences, but were also in the uncomfortable position of competing with them for RFO funds. I’d like to pay tribute to all of our talented staff and committed partners and clients – and wish them every success for the future.
“We will work with Creative Scotland in the short time available to ensure that the audience insight and trend data we have gathered over the last 14 years – including our innovative software development, digital hub and online tools – are preserved where possible,” she concluded.