This report was published in February 2011.
“Scotland’s 5 National Performing Companies are now in their 4 th year of a direct funding relationship with the Scottish Government which started in April 2007.
This report is intended to highlight the key achievements and operating outcomes of all 5 Companies during the period 2009/10.
There are 5 National Performing Companies:
- National Theatre of Scotland ( NTS)
- Royal Scottish National Orchestra ( RSNO)
- Scottish Ballet
- Scottish Chamber Orchestra ( SCO)
- Scottish Opera
The Companies make a significant contribution to cultural life both in Scotland and internationally. They operate on a scale which distinguishes them from other performing arts organisations in Scotland and which gives them a major presence on Scotland’s largest stages and concert halls. They work on a variety of scales to deliver their performance and education programmes to as many of Scotland’s communities as possible. The international profile of the Companies is confirmed by the performances, concerts and events they are invited to make by renowned venues and presenters across the globe.
In 2009/10 the National Performing Companies gave 692 performances and delivered 4,141 education events. During this period 383,643 people saw the Companies perform and there were 105,542 participations in their outreach and education programmes.
The National Performing Companies help to deliver the Scottish Government’s policy commitment to ‘support the arts, culture and creativity; and to maximise access to, appreciation of and participation in, the arts, culture and creativity’, 1 in partnership with the many and diverse performing arts organisations operating in Scotland, some of which are funded by Creative Scotland.
The relationship between the Scottish Government and the 5 National Performing Companies is managed by the Cultural Excellence Team within Culture Division. The relationship between the 2 parties, which continues to be productive, informed, open and mutually respectful, is aided, in part, by the inclusion in the sponsorship team of a secondee from outwith the Scottish Government with extensive performing arts experience.
Whilst no longer in a direct funding relationship with Creative Scotland, the 5 National Performing Companies and Creative Scotland are working together to ensure that a cohesive and strategic approach to access and delivery can be achieved across Scotland.
The 5 Companies received an increase of 2% in 2009/10 bringing the total revenue grant from the Scottish Government to the Companies to £24.25 million.”
