Theatre boss aims to answer Eden Court critics
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THE boss of the largest arts venue in the Highlands is seeking to answer critics after receiving offensive comments amid staffing reductions.
James Mackenzie-Blackman, chief executive of Eden Court Theatre in Inverness, issued a strong rebuttal in a bid to clarify and confirm facts which he said had become grossly distorted.
He refuted what he said were the misconceptions that the theatre’s Creative education programme had shut down and he did not value its work.
Public emotions have grown in recent weeks following job losses at the theatre which is seeking to tackle funding cuts of £1.2 million over the next three years.
“This concern, in the most part, comes from a place of compassion for Eden Court staff and for an organisation that people know and love,” Mr Mackenzie-Blackman said in a statement.
“There have, however, been some personally offensive communications online, via email, via text and spoken on the phone that have been inappropriate to myself, my colleagues at Eden Court and our funders.
“Personal and bullying language is inappropriate and will be challenged.”
The theatre has lost £200,000 a year from both Creative Scotland and Highland Council.
“It is impossible for this reduction in funding not to have some effect on our business,” Mr Mackenzie-Blackman continued.
“There has been some public dismay at Eden Court’s perceived unwillingness to publicly fight these cuts.
“I took the decision on joining the business in February that anger was not the right course of action and instead to enter into dialogue with our funders about why the cuts had been made and how we could work together to mitigate their impact.”
As a result of reorganisation, seven staff members had left permanent roles although it was intended to re-employ four as freelances to protect the programme for young people. Three more had left or would leave when their temporary contracts finished.
A review of activities for young people, schools and the community will take place early next year.
