The Scottish Arts Council today confirmed its support for two initiatives aimed at raising the international profile of Scotland’s dance and theatre artists.

Scotland Live 2008, a Federation of Scottish Theatre initiative, was recognised for its achievements in international showcasing following the success of the inaugural event last March. The event featured 17 performances of Scottish theatre and dance in six cities over five days and provided opportunities for international promoters to meet and network with Scottish artists and producers, as well as see a range of dance and theatre performances.

British Dance Edition (BDE), the biennial showcase of dance for UK and international promoters will be held in Liverpool in February 2008. The Scottish Arts Council’s Dance department is working closely with Merseyside Dance Initiative, hosts of BDE 2008, to secure opportunities for Scottish dance companies and choreographers to feature in on of the most significant events in the UK dance calendar.

The Scottish Arts Council is also working in partnership with the Scottish Executive and Festivals Edinburgh to develop the Edinburgh Festivals Expo fund. This new initiative will support Edinburgh’s festivals to present work by Scottish artists and companies, building on the unique international perspective provided by the festivals to promote Scotland’s artistic success.

Further opportunities will include providing support for Scottish-based artists to attend international markets and networking events.

David Taylor, Co-Director of Arts at the Scottish Arts Council said: ‘Scotland has a fertile and dynamic culture with artists in dance and theatre creating work that is resonating internationally. As we move forward with these developments, the Scottish Arts Council is committed to working in partnership to create new opportunities for our artists to work internationally.’

Lizzie Nicoll, Director, Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) also welcomed the announcement adding: ‘FST is delighted that the Scottish Arts Council is supporting Scotland Live 2008. The first event in 2006 offered a new opportunity for Scottish theatre and dance companies to showcase their work to international promoters, resulting in a number of invitations to international festivals. We are very pleased to be able to develop this event in 2008 which will facilitate the promotion and export of the best of Scottish performing arts.’

Today’s announcement follows publication of a report reviewing current opportunities for the development and promotion of Scottish dance and theatre internationally.

Researchers consulted the drama and dance sectors, key stakeholders, producers and promoter to assess a range of current initiatives used to promote Scotland’s performing arts internationally including; the Scottish Theatre Gateway Project, Scotland Live, the British Council Showcase, Imaginate, Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Fringe, and identifies effective examples of international working taking place in other countries.

The research has revealed that approaches to international working vary in the sector and the report makes a number of recommendations for future development in this area including:

Use of existing research findings to inform the future development of international working.
Support and expand existing events and develop new opportunities for international promotion outwith the festival period, following on from the Scotland Live project.
Co-ordination of marketing and communications strategies to maximise the impact of showcasing at the Edinburgh Festivals.
Development of a central online information portal providing advice, guidance and details of international activities and opportunities.
Development of a quality monitoring system for artists seeking international exposure.
Additional funding for restaging work abroad.