It takes a huge base of support to make the Edinburgh Festivals happen and as public finances continue to be squeezed, philanthropy will play an ever-more important role. We’re four years on from the becalmed summer when most things came to a sudden halt. This got me thinking about the crucial support system which underpins the creative arts: how creative work is developed, staged and presented within the grander setting of a festival and the essential role philanthropy plays at every stage in bringing these performances to life and before an audience.
Exactly how many summer festivals are there in Edinburgh? For some, it has become a six-week marathon of eight festivals encompassing Jazz and Blues, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Fringe, the Book, the Film, the Art and the Television Festivals as well as the Military Tattoo. Looking back, I’ve enjoyed shows across three of them, including Things We Will Miss (thought-provoking), Oedipus Rex (rawly immersive) and Club Life (simply joyous).
The summer festivals, with their focus on arts and culture, are all registered charities. Many of the shows are performed in venues which are themselves charities. Some of the larger theatre companies and music ensembles giving those performances are also charities. When you reflect on it, you can be watching a charity perform in a charitable venue as part of a charitable festival. It’s a fragile eco-system which receives an element of government and council funding and which relies hugely on other sources of support. It’s no surprise, therefore, that the role of donors is a vital part of that picture. Patrons, benefactors, membership and friends’ schemes all contribute. Funding comes from afar too, including contributions via specific US donor programmes. Beyond this, it’s possible to take a more holistic view of philanthropy which recognises other contributions. Volunteers give their time and skills; some may also lend support with network connections and introductions. These all underpin the staging of the festivals.
While being able to afford and enjoy the enrichment of life through the creative arts might be seen as a privilege, there is a growing effort to ensure broader access through free or discounted tickets and practical assistance. The Fringe’s own compelling vision ‘to give anyone a stage and everyone a seat’ still needs financial support to help make it a reality, however.
CAF estimates that £13.9 billion was donated to charities in the UK last year. However, only 3% of this was for the arts. The inflation of recent times has hit hard all round, including those in the creative arts sector. For some donors, this only reinforces their determination to do what they can to ensure venues can keep the lights on and shows can still be staged.
Reminded of the Greek roots of philanthropy as ‘love of humanity’, perhaps the simplest act of philanthropy is the generosity of sharing space with others who visit Edinburgh during the summer weeks, in pursuit of the joy of community. For that goal alone, the Edinburgh Festivals have arguably never been more needed.
Julie Hutchison is the Technical Director for Philanthropy and Charities with LGT Wealth Management UK
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