Support from AES Solar enables Nairn festival to successfully apply to Culture and Business Fund Scotland (CBFS) for the first time.
Nairn Book and Arts Festival has announced that it has secured essential match-funding from CBFS. This is thanks to the generosity of three new corporate sponsors. The CBFS established by the Government encourages businesses to invest in art organisations.
The support from headline sponsor AES Solar and associate sponsors Fred. Olsen Renewables and Nairn’s Oatcakes totalled £3500. As a result, the matched funding from CBFS takes the total funding secured by the festival up to £7000. This is a huge injection of much-needed financial support after a difficult year.
Nairn Book and Arts Festival is the celebration of literature, art, music, drama and film. In the historic seaside town of Nairn, the festival presents a unique and innovative programme of events. As a registered charity, the festival commits to supporting community-focused arts across Scotland and the UK.
Close to Nature’s Heart
This year’s festival has a strong environmental theme. This led organisers to focus on attracting sponsors with a strong track record on sustainability,
Festival chairman Alex Williamson said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support for this year’s festival – not just from these high-profile companies, but also from Culture and Business Fund Scotland. The sponsorship income and matched funding will certainly help the festival to bounce back after last year’s cancellation, bringing a welcome return to live literature and arts events in the Scottish Highlands.“
AES Solar Managing Director, George Goudsmit said: “Supporting events on our doorstep such as the Nairn Book and Arts Festival has always been a cause close to our hearts. This also aligns with our company goals and values. Supporting events that give back to the local community is more important than ever. It’s also perhaps unsurprising that we identify with the festival theme of ‘Close to Nature’s Heart’.
“Therefore we were delighted to offer our support as headline sponsor to this fantastic local event. Championing literature, art, music, drama, and film and all in the Scottish Highlands. The whole team here at AES Solar cannot wait to see the inspiring events that come out of this year’s festival.”
Bringing Communities Together
David Watt, chief executive of Arts & Business Scotland, said: “We are delighted to see so many individual businesses in and around Nairn taking advantage of the fantastic opportunity provided by Culture Business Fund Scotland Covid-19 Recovery & Renewal Strand to invest in the arts and culture sector in their region.
“By partnering with Nairn Book and Arts Festival, AES Solar, Fred Olsen Renewables and Nairn’s Oatcakes are boosting the cultural tourism profile of the area, encouraging more visitors and ‘staycationers’ to spend even more time on the ground (and overnight) which supports the local economy and help bring the local community together.”
The 2021 Nairn Book and Arts Festival runs from Saturday 4th to Sunday 12th September. To find out what’s on and to book tickets, click here.
