A stream of new initiatives aimed at enhancing the profile of the Gaelic Arts and artists is to be supported through an innovative partnership between Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the Scottish Arts Council and the Gaelic Arts Strategic Development Forum (GASD).

The GASD Programme will invest £400,000 in new strategic initiatives over the next two years.  This will provide new funding opportunities for individuals and organisations working in the Gaelic arts and will focus on Audience Development, Skills Development and Showcase Development.

The Programme will be co-ordinated by Pròiseact nan Ealan, the Gaelic Arts Agency, on behalf of the GASD Forum.  Director of Pròiseact nan Ealan, Malcolm Maclean said: “This Programme is the first fruits of the Scottish Arts Council’s new Gaelic Arts Policy.  The Gaelic arts sector has grown significantly over recent years and become a vibrant part of Scotland’s arts and cultural life.  These new opportunities, however, mean that the Gaelic arts now need new forms of support, co-ordination and promotion.  This Programme will enable us to work together to test new ideas and create new possibilities for artists, organisations and communities.”

It is intended that the programme will help develop audiences and will build support for the Gaelic language in the wider community.  Jim Tough, Head of Arts at the Scottish Arts Council, said:  “The Scottish Arts Council is delighted at this initiative, built through genuine partnership and with the direct input of those Gaelic arts organisations already actively working across a range of communities. This programme underpins many of our ambitions for our Gaelic Arts Policy and reinforces the vital and central relationship of language and the arts to national culture and identity.”

Allan Campbell, Chief Executive of Bòrd na Gàidhlig said: “It is extremely important to the future of the language that the Gaelic Arts are supported and stimulated through programmes such as this.  Not only will it improve the profile and awareness of the language and culture, it will bring real economic and cultural benefits to the Gaelic community.  Bòrd na Gàidhlig is delighted to be working with the Scottish Arts Council in supporting this important sector.”

Applications for funding under the GASD programme are currently being invited and individuals or organisations interested in applying should contact Pròiseact nan Ealan on 01851 704493 or through the website www.gaelic-arts.com