£1m for Scottish work at Fringe

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The Edinburgh Fringe has been given a £1m boost over the next two years to showcase Scottish-based dance and theatre artists.

The Scottish Government's Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund has enabled the Made in Scotland programme, which will see its first performances in August.

An initial £200,000 was given last year to launch Made in Scotland.

The organisation allows international touring, for successful performances to travel after the Fringe.

It is made up of a partnership between the Fringe, the Federation of Scottish Theatre and the Scottish Arts Council.

We're delighted that this support will provide a platform for Scottish-based performers to present and promote their best work at the Fringe Kath MainlandEdinburgh Festival Fringe Society

Culture Minister Michael Russell said: "Expo is about recognising the exceptional creative talent that exists in Scotland and giving it an international platform upon which to excel.

"Our renowned Edinburgh Festivals are celebrated the world over and Scottish-based artists have so much to offer - that is why so far this year we have awarded over £1.6m across four festivals with more to follow through the year.

"The Fringe brings huge cultural and economic benefits to Scotland, generating £75m annually.

"The Scottish Government's Expo Fund is a signal of the value we place on the Festivals and our commitment to ensuring they flourish into the future."

Kath Mainland, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: "We're extremely grateful for the Scottish Government's support of the Made in Scotland showcase.

"We're delighted that this support will provide a platform for Scottish-based performers to present and promote their best work at the Fringe.

"The Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world, and in some respects the largest arts market, and Made in Scotland will ensure that Scottish talent has the chance to be seen on the world stage and to take advantage of the international platform the Fringe provides."

Jim Tough, chief executive, Scottish Arts Council said: "The Scottish Arts Council is delighted that Made in Scotland will provide a spotlight on work from Scottish theatre and dance artists during the extraordinary event which is the Fringe.

"With performers and promoters from across the world flocking to Edinburgh this is a fantastic opportunity for our artists to make the most of the unique arts event."

All Scottish-based artists and arts organisations are eligible to apply for Made in Scotland.