Mela wins £30,000 to celebrate diversity

Published on Thursday 18 June 2009 23:13

THE creation of an artistic work exploring Scotland's cultural diversity took a step forward yesterday with a £30,000 funding boost.

The Expo money will allow the Edinburgh Mela to develop a large-scale outdoor performance aimed at exploring Scotland's diversity, culture minister Mike Russell told MSPs.

He made the announcement during a Holyrood debate on the country's festivals where he said the Edinburgh Festivals Expo fund is aimed at helping artistic talent develop in Scotland.

"This funding will allow the Mela to do just that," he said.

"They will create a bold, large-scale, outdoor production – Cargo – which explores the myriad diverse cultures that have settled in Scotland throughout our history, while examining Scotland's own identity as an evolving nation.

"This new and exciting project will engage with minority ethnic communities in Scotland and build international links, which is particularly significant in the Year of Homecoming."

Mr Russell also told MSPs he made a stage appearance himself earlier this year.

"I was pleased to make my own festivals performing debut at Celtic Connections. I am a modest person, I would not like to talk too much about my own performances," he added, to laughter from MSPs.

Mr Russell appeared in a production called Flight of the Arctic Tern by composer Mark Sheridan, with a second performance in March on the Tall Ship, which was recorded. "The CD will shortly be available," he added.

Labour's Karen Gillon called on Mr Russell to look at hosting an event in parliament to bring together the heads of smaller festivals around the country.