Community Cinemas in Perth and Kinross Get Set To Roll Into Action

In line with the Scottish Government’s latest Covid-19 guidance, all 24 projects can now begin plans to get up and running and welcoming audiences, as soon as they’re able, from Wednesday 15 July.  

Strathearn Artspace has received funding to upgrade and expand their cinema equipment to continue their existing film programme and to develop a broader programme of screenings to reach a wider, more diverse audiences. This equipment will provide a higher quality, more professional experiences for audiences and reduce technical and logistical workload on staff and volunteers. 

Ray McMaster, trustee of Strathearn Arts said: “Not only will our existing audiences benefit from better image quality when they enjoy films at Strathearn Arts, we will now be able to offer additional, live-screening events from all over the world which will allow us to appeal to wider and more diverse audiences.”  

 “This equipment gives a host of options for us to significantly expand our cinema offerings and we will look forward to hearing suggestions and ideas from our audiences and other local groups as to how best we can use this for the enjoyment of everyone within our community”. 

Forgandenny Village Hall run monthly community cinema screenings and they will use funding to install an audio induction loop for those with hearing impairments to make their screenings more accessible to everyone in the community.  

Screen Scotland’s Jennifer Armitage said: “This round of awards concludes the year-long programme of capital investment in cultural and community cinemas in Scotland. When we launched the Cinema Equipment Fund last year, we had no idea what 2020 was going to bring but investing in the resilience of Scotland’s film exhibition sector is more important than ever. When Scotland’s cinemas reopen, they will be able to offer high quality experiences, with varied programmes, and within local communities.” 

MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Claire Baker said: “The news that these community cinemas are to benefit from the Cinema Equipment Fund is a welcome boost. The screenings at Strathearn Artspace and Forgandenny Village Hall provide access to films for many who would otherwise miss out and this funding will open up their services to a wider audience still.  

“The lockdown period has had a huge impact on our cultural spaces and I look forward to seeing these community cinemas reopening so audiences can return and enjoy them once more.”