An Aberdeenshire arts organisation still faces “significant financial pressures” moving forward from the pandemic.
The Barn, in Banchory, has struggled to weather financial ramifications this year like many similar organisations.
Based in refurbished farm buildings near Crathes Castle a variety of music, dance and art events are usually held in the north-east venue.
While currently closed, bosses are looking at how audiences can be welcomed back in different ways.
Various funding boosts – including a grant from Creative Scotland to upgrade their screen projection kit – means the venue has been able to look to its future while it has unfortunately has received limited income in the last few months.
Other funding has come from the William Syson Foundation, Vattenfall Unlock our Future Fund and the Scottish Government’s Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund.
Victoria Layt, general manager the Barn, said: “Despite all of this, our earning potential over this period has been and continues to be considerably impacted by the closure and the organisation still faces significant financial pressures.
“As we progress through this worldwide pandemic, it is more apparent than ever just how important arts venues are to our communities, and to Scotland, a country awash with talented artists, designer-makers, performers, musicians, dancers, film makers and many more, all who rely upon venues like the Barn to support their work.
“We know that Covid-19 will have a long-lasting impact on the arts sector. Over the coming months, the Barn hope the relief funding, will enable them to work with artists to develop new ways of being creative together.”
The Barn is also holding a crowfunder so their popular ‘flock’ art far can take place this year.
The event is a key date in the calendar for Scotland’s designers and typically attracts more than 3,500 visitors each year.
The Barn’s are therefore trying to raise money to take flock online, so artists still can take part and earn an income through any sales.
To find out more about the Barn visit www.thebarnarts.co.uk
