DIY exhibitions and events are essential to the vibrant, artistic communities found in Edinburgh, Glasgow and across Scotland. The Red Door Gallery has had it’s doors open for 9 years and has kept a constant, caring eye on the explosion of events over the last decade. We have seen Edinburgh’s creative talents making the most of disused shop fronts, returning life to once vacant market squares and re-cementing the foundations of empty office blocks.
Weather temporary, semi-permanent or flash up and vanish, most of these events are run from artist’s, curator’s or musicians own pocket – meaning a shoe string budget! The recent news that Glasgow City Council has plans to introduce an Entertainment Tax has us quaking in our boots. The licensing of small scale, temporary, free artistic or music events to the tune of £120 would put an end to our much loved scene, which would perhaps have further reaching implications than initially considered by Glasgow Council.
It would seem that Edinburgh is also considering introducing this tax (which is at the discretion of local government). With our Bricks and Mortar gallery right in the heart of Edinburgh, we meet a huge number of people visiting Edinburgh from all corners of the world and a large part of that audience has been drawn to Edinburgh for the combination of it’s famous history and it’s young, creative scene.
According to The Glasgow Herold, there has been a delay placed upon passing this law – so that’s another 6 months to whip up support! If you would like more information or to sign the petition, click here.