Scotland’s comedy industry faces ‘extinction’ without a cash injection, according to a campaign launched to ensure the sector is not forgotten.

The Scottish Government and funding body Creative Scotland have been warned the country’s grassroots scene will 'face extinction' if excluded from public funding help.

The campaign claims the 'disappearance' of Scotland’s comedy scene would damage efforts to ensure the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has a successful return next year.

Glasgow Times:

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The comedy campaign has been launched days after the Scottish Government announced a £10 million “lifeline fund” for performing arts venues.

Scotland is also expected to get a £97 million share of a £1.57 billion rescue package for the UK-wide arts sector, which was unveiled on Sunday.

Gilded Balloon, a major operator at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, is one of the key players in the campaign.

The Stand, which runs venues in Edinburgh and Glasgow, the Monkey Barrel in Edinburgh, the Rotund in Glasgow, the organisers of the Scottish Comedy Awards and the Glasgow Comedy Festival are also involved.

The Association of Scottish Comedic Arts was formed to ensure the industry has a proper voice during the Covid-19 crisis.

Glasgow Times:

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It said the industry should be 'recognised as a key part of the cultural sector and an art form struggling to survive through the global pandemic.'

An open letter to both the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland states: “Scotland has seven dedicated and established comedy venues as well as pop-up events in clubs, monthly regional gigs and grass roots nights that are facing extinction if they are excluded from this round of emergency funding.

“This year-round infrastructure is also one of the cornerstones of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe economy and its disappearance would undermine the chances of a successful bounce back of the summer festivals in 2021.

“Comedy stands alongside live theatre, dance, storytelling, music and all other aspects of the performing arts in calling on the Scottish Government to ensure we all survive through this difficult period.”

Glasgow Times:

A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: “We do not underestimate the devastating impact this pandemic has had on Scotland’s diverse culture sector, particularly those who rely on audiences and live performances.

“We welcome the UK Government’s response to our calls for funding for the sector.

“Once we have clarity on how the grants and loans will work, the Scottish Government will establish the best means to provide additional support to those devastated by Covid-19.

“Culture is vital to individuals, communities and our country, and although this this is clearly a substantial amount of funding, significant financial support is needed to help the sector survive.”