Cash is sorely needed urgently
Aberdeen Arts Centre has today (May 19) launched an urgent appeal to arts and theatre lovers to keep the spotlight shining on the city centre venue.
The centre has raised the curtain on its Save Aberdeen Arts Centre campaign – a three-year, £660,000 fundraising drive to support its operations.
An independent arts venue and registered charity in the heart of Aberdeen, AAC has for over 60 years played a crucial role in the north east’s vibrant arts scene through its programme of performances, Creative Learning Programme for children and adults, and an Artist Development Programme to support local professional creatives.
The venue encompasses a 350-seater auditorium; café bar; flexible spaces for performances, events, exhibitions and meetings; and the Children’s Theatre, opened by Catherine Hollingworth in the 1950s as a pioneering youth theatre (the first of its kind in the UK) and now used as a vital resource for professional artist development.
The campaign has already received backing from a host of famous faces including actors Laura Main, Amy Lennox and Brian Cox; Hollywood director Jon S Baird; magician Barry Jones; and virtuoso percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie.
The six-figure total will cover core running costs over the next three years as the venue implements a new strategy to keep the vital creative and community venue open for future generations.
The organisation has set an initial target of raising £180,000 by July 1, 2025.
Eve Nicol, programming and creative director, said: “Everywhere I go in Aberdeen, I meet so many people whose lives have been touched by Aberdeen Arts Centre – by the shows on our stage, by the opportunities to learn and perform, by the life skills they have gained.
“That so many people across the city have been influenced by their experiences here shows just how vital a resource Aberdeen Arts Centre is for Aberdeen and the wider north east region.
“The outpouring of love and support we have had already has been deeply moving but now we must take action to secure the centre’s future. If the majority of our audience members from last year donated £11.25 each we’ll meet our initial July 1 deadline. A personal gift from those who know and feel the value of grassroots arts in their life will go a long way to secure its continuation in the city.”
It is home to over 35 local performing and community groups that make use of the venue every year. In addition, the centre’s Creative Learning and Artist Development programmes support those engaging in the arts at all levels, from beginners of all ages to local professionals furthering their craft.
Those interested in supporting the venue can attend an open public meeting at Aberdeen Arts Centre on Tuesday, May 27 at 6.30pm.
Chair of Aberdeen Arts Centre’s board of trustees, Sharon Robertson commented: “Since its inception, Aberdeen Arts Centre has been a creative lifeline for local performers, artists and audiences alike. Through donations and subsidies, we’ve kept our venue accessible, ensuring the arts remain a vibrant part of our city. But today, we need your support more than ever.
“The cost of running the centre has surged in recent years, creating a critical funding gap. We’ve recognised the need to diversify our income streams and are actively implementing a sustainable financial strategy to secure our future. However, as we work to establish this plan, we’ve had to temporarily rely on our reserves – something common in the arts sector but which unfortunately affects our eligibility for certain funding.
“Here’s where we need the community help: to safeguard Aberdeen Arts Centre and keep it thriving for generations to come, we urgently need to raise £180,000 by July 1. Restoring our reserves before this crucial deadline ensures we can present a strong case for reinstating our funding when councillors debate the issue. There is then a choice for the elected members to make: allocate funds to the Arts Centre from contingencies – this is within their gift to do.
“Every contribution, big or small, helps protect this space for the local creative community. Your support keeps artists on stage, ideas alive, and culture thriving.
“Join us – because together, we can secure the future of Aberdeen Arts Centre.”
This is not the first time Aberdeen Arts Centre has faced hardship. In 1998, Annie Inglis gathered 14,500 signatures to save the centre from closure.
Eve added: “The opportunity to perform or express yourself creatively can be a lifeline for people of all ages, for so many different reasons. That’s why we are so passionate about supporting grassroots performance. It’s not just about the joy of stepping on stage; it’s also about the skills you learn for life, including teamwork, resilience and self-confidence.
“Appearing on our stage sets up so many young people for life, whether they choose to pursue the arts or another career. Without major support, we risk losing that vital resource here in Aberdeen.
“Many of the companies that use the centre have casts of over 200 eager local performers. When these groups are in, the building comes alive with the buzz and excitement of performance. There are no other venues in Aberdeen that can accommodate groups of this size for an affordable price.
“Without Aberdeen Arts Centre, the north east of Scotland would see its creative life greatly diminish.”
