Council asked to support Perth Festival of the Arts
Councillors are being asked to approve an application from Perth Festival of the Arts for funding of £23,500 towards this year's event.
Members of the Enterprise and Infrastructure Committee will be told that this year's Perth Festival of the Arts will have a varied programme appealing to a broad range of tastes.
Councillors will hear that the Festival is an important annual event which enhances and develops the cultural profile of the area. It is estimated that Festival generates around £300,000 for the local economy annually.
The line-up for 2011 includes:
* Nigel Kennedy and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
* The Peter Schaufuss Ballet from Copenhagen
* The Berlin Symphony Orchestra
* Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra
* Martin Taylor
* An Audience with Tim Brooke-Taylor
* Carol Kidd and Quartet
* A range of popular music and comedy acts to be confirmed.
Enterprise and Infrastructure Convener, Councillor John Kellas, said: "Perth Festival of the Arts has been one of Scotland?s leading arts events for over 40 years now - making it one of the oldest such events in the country.
"During that time it has boosted our local economy by attracting thousands of visitors to the area, as well as a roll call of top international acts. It raises the profile of the area and builds its reputation as a major cultural centre. It is only right that the event should be supported by the Council."
The committee will be recommended to approve the funding of £23,500 at its meeting on Wednesday 25 January.
Members will also be asked to approve reduced funding of £18,800 for the 2013 Festival, in line with other funding reductions to external organisations.
Cllr Kellas added: "In these times of severe financial constraints the Council has had to look at the amount of money it provides to external bodies by way of financial support. This is an unfortunate reality of the times we find ourselves in. The 2013 Festival of the Arts will still receive significant financial support from the Council, and I am sure it will be as successful as it has been previous years."
