Cumbernauld Theatre’s Future at Risk

Cumbernauld Theatre Trust is deeply disappointed that our application to Creative Scotland’s Multi-Year Funding Programme has not been successful. This decision is devastating for our organisation, our staff, and the communities we serve, as it threatens our ability to continue delivering the rich artistic and cultural experiences that have made Cumbernauld Theatre a cornerstone of Scotland’s performing arts sector.

For over 50 years, Cumbernauld Theatre has been a home for original Scottish theatre-making, innovative live performance, and a thriving participatory arts programme. Every year, we welcome over 40,000 audience members, artists, and participants into our venue, offering a diverse and inclusive artistic programme that inspires, challenges, and enriches lives. This funding decision places all of this at risk.

What This Means for Cumbernauld Theatre

This funding was essential to ensuring that Cumbernauld Theatre could continue to produce and present theatre at the scale and ambition we had planned. While we will apply for the Transition Fund offered by Creative Scotland, this is short-term support and does not replace the long-term stability that multi-year funding would have provided.

A Call to Action for Our Audiences and Supporters

At this critical time, we need our community more than ever. Cumbernauld Theatre has always been more than just a venue – it is a space where people come together, where creativity flourishes, and where stories are shared. We are calling on our audiences, supporters, and stakeholders to stand with us as we fight for the future of our theatre.

We are grateful for the unwavering support of the artists, audiences, participants, and partners who believe in the power of theatre to transform lives. We urge those who care about the future of cultural life in Scotland to continue to advocate for the arts, ensuring that communities like ours do not lose the vital creative spaces they rely on.

Contact Creative Scotland & The Scottish Government

You may wish to highlight:

1. The importance of Cumbernauld Theatre as a key creative and cultural organisation for North Lanarkshire.
2. The impact this decision will have on audiences, artists, and community engagement in the region.
3. Why Creative Scotland should reconsider the implications of this outcome.

You can find contact details for Creative Scotland here.
You can find contact details for the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture here.
You can find contact details for your local MSP here.
You can find contact details for the MP for Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch here.

Share your Support

Tell us why Cumbernauld Theatre matters to you and your community using #SaveCumbernauldTheatre on social media and writing a public statement of support at the bottom of this page.

Sign our petition

We urge Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government to recognise the long-term impact this will have on the community, and to work together with Cumbernauld Theatre Trust to find a common-sense solution, providing funding which will secure the future of the Theatre.

Cumbernauld Theatre and Lanternhouse Cinema continue to offer a diverse programme of performances, events and screenings. Everyone is welcome through our doors. See what’s on here or support our work by donating to Cumbernauld Theatre Trust here.

STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT

Add your message

If you would like to add a public message of support for Cumbernauld Theatre Trust, please provide your statement below.
Your Name(Required)
Your Position (if applicable)
You may wish to highlight:
    The importance of Cumbernauld Theatre as a key creative and cultural organisation for North Lanarkshire.
    The impact this decision will have on audiences, artists, and community engagement in the region.
    Why Creative Scotland should reconsider the implications of this outcome.

Updates on the situation will be shared on this page. If you would like to recieve email notifications please subscribe to our mailing list.

For media enquiries contact rmurphy@cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk or call 01236 807 494.

    Please enter a search term.