Made in Scotland was established in 2009 and to date has supported 231 shows on the Fringe. As Covid restrictions relax, 2021 sees it return to present the best of theatre, dance and music from Scotland in a celebration of creativity reflecting the desire for us all to re-engage with one another and share stories once again.
The curated showcase features a range of work, including six world premieres, showcasing the quality and resilience of Scotland’s artists who have produced work in these challenging times, from a site-specific piece on Silverknowes Beach to a digital world premiere from Scotland’s leading cellist collaborating with a world-renowned Indian violinist.
The ten artists, companies and ensembles who will present their work this year were awarded funding in 2020 and chose to rollover to 2021. An additional eight companies, originally awarded in 2020, have chosen to rollover once again and will now present their work in the 2022 Fringe. Applications will open as normal in Autumn 2021 for the 2022 showcase, so 2022 will therefore see an extended Made in Scotland showcase to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Fringe. The Made in Scotland showcase was selected by an international panel of programmers full details of whom can be found on the Made in Scotland Showcase website.
Fiona Sturgeon-Shea, Director, Federation of Scottish Theatre said “Made in Scotland is a vital investment in Scotland’s cultural sector and shows its committed support to help artists and producers engage with international promoters and programmers at the world’s biggest arts festival. The showcase creates new and exciting opportunities for our members, enabling new conversations, partnerships and the ability to explore new markets. We are delighted to continue working with our partners on Made in Scotland, and in 2021 see it as a testament and celebration of the creative ways the culture sector has adapted and responded to the most difficult of years.”
In light of the ongoing restrictions, and to take advantage of the opportunities for digital engagement, the 2021 funding was adapted to create a Digital Assets Pot. All 18 original companies, those presenting this year and those rolling into 2022, were invited to apply for up to £3000 towards the creation of digital assets such as video, photography, audio, or graphic design to amplify the ongoing promotion of their shows and enable engagement with industry professionals during the Fringe.
The Made in Scotland showcase is made possible through funding from the Scottish Government’s Expo Fund and is a partnership between the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Creative Scotland, Federation of Scottish Theatre and the Scottish Music Centre.
Jenny Gilruth MSP, Culture Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, said “The Scottish Government Expo Fund continues to support Made in Scotland, a fantastic showcase of Scottish theatre, dance and music.This year, through a hybrid of online and in-person performances, it will present the best of Scotland’s creative talent at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and help ensure artists receive the support they need to develop their careers and secure future international opportunities.”
For full dates, times, and prices and more information on all of this year’s Made in Scotland showcase are available at the Made in Scotland website.
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 