Two of Dunfermline’s culture venues remain positive for the future despite the difficulties of 2020 and the uncertainty that lies ahead.
Bill and Simon Fletcher of the Alhambra Trust and Ian Moir of the Firestation Creative met with me to discuss the challenges of the covid period and the opportunities for the future. Both charitable trusts make a large contribution into the town economy and both are working to develop and support the growth of the arts within the wider area.
I was keen to highlight the contribution of the creative sector – in Scotland alone the creative industries comprise over 15,000 businesses employing more than 73,000 people, in addition to a large number of freelancers as well as students studying creative courses. This sector makes an important contribution to our national wealth, but also to the local economy directly through employment but also indirectly to the wider offer for locals and tourists alike.
Ian Moir stressed the support for local artists through the provision of studios and placements for graduates whilst Simon Fletcher confirmed the Alhambra remain determined to drive the stage school which has been recruiting and providing opportunities for young people.
Mr Moir commented:
“These are challenging times and we have been able to secure some government support but with another lockdown announced it is going to be tougher so we want to work with other venues in the Dunfermline area and with local politicians to plan for a collaborative approach to building back for the town and the area.”
This was a sentiment echoed by Simon Fletcher who said:
“The last year has been difficult but we remain determined to drive forward our plans to open up opportunities for the development of the arts as part of the wider Dunfermline and Fife economy. We are working in partnership with a number of venues across the arts and hospitality so that we can develop a plan for building back the town centre as we come through the current crisis.”
I am continuing to work to support many businesses within the creative sector and the hospitality sectors both of which will be key to revamp of our town centres post covid. I am delighted that these two key venues are coming together to join up with others to drive the plan for change to ensure that the main foundations of the town centres remain in place and build back stronger. These are tough times for all concerned but it is worth remembering that Scotland’s creative industries contribute more than £5 billion to the Scottish economy every year and increasingly Dunfermline is seen as key area for growth.
