Research to raise the international profile of dance and theatre artists from Scotland has revealed that, whilst many organisations recognise the value of working internationally, they often lack the resources and strategic know-how to fully develop markets abroad. The research, conducted on behalf of the Scottish Arts Council (SAC), consulted key stakeholders, producers and promoters across the drama and dance sectors and aimed to assess the range of initiatives currently being used to promote Scotlands performing arts outside the country.
The report identifies support for the concept of using Edinburghs festival venues to showcase Scottish work, but highlights the need for a broader and more co-ordinated approach to marketing during these festivals. It makes a number of key recommendations for future development in this area, amongst them: utilise existing research findings to inform the future development of international working; support and expand existing events; provide additional funding for re-staging work abroad; develop a quality monitoring system for artists seeking international exposure; and maintain a central online information portal providing advice, guidance and details of international activities and opportunities. SAC is already working in partnership with the Scottish Government and Festivals Edinburgh to develop the Edinburgh Festivals Expo fund. This new initiative will support Edinburghs festivals in their presentation of work by Scottish artists and companies. David Taylor, SAC Co-Director of Arts, said, Scotland has a fertile and dynamic culture with artists in dance and theatre creating work that is resonating internationally. As we move forward with these developments, the Scottish Arts Council is committed to working in partnership to create new opportunities for our artists to work internationally. SAC is also working closely with Merseyside Dance Initiative, hosts of British Dance Edition, the biennial showcase of dance for UK and international promoters, to be held in Liverpool in February 2008.
Published: 10-09-2007