Not made from girders, just from terrific talent, this year’s exciting Made In Scotland programme has been revealed.
The Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund provided £550,000 for the partnership between the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, the Federation of Scottish Theatre and Creative Scotland, Made in Scotland and the programme was unveiled by Fiona Hyslop, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, on Wednesday 15th May at Creative Scotland’s headquarters in Edinburgh.
Fiona Hyslop said, “Made in Scotland’s’ strong reach and appeal has been proven by the international success of many of the acts showcased over the last four years. It’s fantastic that this year, musicians will now also benefit from this partnership. The Edinburgh festivals contribute more than £250m in additional tourism revenue to Scotland’s economy. Investing in Initiatives such as ‘Made in Scotland’ not only makes economic sense but gives Scottish performers the opportunity to promote our country’s rich culture, heritage and distinct identity on a world stage.” She added: “I’m looking forward to seeing this year’s participants in the ‘Made in Scotland’ programme add yet more diversity and creativity to Scotland’s world-renowned reputation.”
From established companies like Fire Exit, Scottish Dance Theatre, National Theatre of Scotland and the Arches to the current wave of emerging artists such as Junction 25, Keiran Hurley, AJ Taudevin and Adura Onashile, the showcase, now in its 5th year, celebrates the wealth and diversity of work that is currently being made and produced in Scotland.
Ringing the changes, this year’s programme has added music to the mix with shows that will run in conjunction with the 14 theatre and dance companies. Covering all genres, the 20 shows and concerts in the inaugural music programme are selected by a panel of experts facilitated by the Scottish Music Centre. As a flavour of the eclectic array of artists, there is Karine Polwart and Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (part of the Queen’s Hall programme, The Astrid String Quartet, The One Ensemble, Amy Duncan, Digi-Bhang Live by Tigerstyle & Guests and Bluefint, who recently supported The Proclaimers.
As well as a strong line up in the theatre and dance programme, Òran Mór’s groundbreaking lunchtime theatre programme, A Play, A Pie and A Pint will host a series of debates and discussions on its successful model. Playwrights’ Studio Scotland returns to explore what stimulates the artists behind this year’s Made in Scotland.
Kath M Mainland, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society said, “The Made in Scotland showcase is a vital platform for Scottish artists at the world’s largest arts festival. Being part of the Fringe is of huge value to Scottish companies in terms of raising their profile, accessing contacts from the media and arts industry as well as presenting their work alongside many international counterparts. As the most significant international arts market in the UK, the Fringe opens up opportunities to have this work seen by promoters from around the globe.” She added, “Made In Scotland has been a great addition to the Fringe landscape in recent years, providing great benefits to the companies who have taken part, so it’s great that in 2013, for the fifth showcase, music will take centre stage alongside theatre and dance.”
Onward touring opportunities has seen Scottish companies taking shows to venues across the UK including performances at London’s Barbican and Southbank Centres, whilst European tours have included Germany, Belgium, Poland, Italy, The Netherlands, France and Denmark. Made in Scotland has also enabled companies to perform at the Sydney Opera House, Melbourne’s Arts Centre, New Victory Theatre in New York as well as tours to the USA, China, New Zealand, Tasmania, Brazil, Bahrain and the Ukraine with appearances at some of the best world festivals such as Dublin, Belfast, Naples, Adelaide and the New Zealand International Arts Festival.
Made In Scotland is great example of looking outward to the world while celebrating home based and home grown talent.
Full details of the programme are at
http://www.madeinscotlandshowcase.com/