Council leader welcomes arts festival boost

Events such as the Findhorn Bay Festival are the way forward for arts in Moray, Moray Council leader Cllr Stewart Cree said.

Cllr Cree was responding to the publication of a report on the impact on local businesses and tourism as a result of the six-day festival.

The festival received £10,000 from the council, along with other in-kind support.

“Partnership working with well-run organisations such the Findhorn Bay Arts Festival is definitely the way forward to promote arts in Moray,” he said.

“When the council disburses public money we must be sure benefits result from it. This comprehensive evaluation is proof positive that by working together we can see real benefits – not only in cash terms for local businesses – but in the enrichment these experiences give us, the promotion of the area as a creative one, and the promotion of Moray to a wider audience.

“I congratulate Kresanna and her dedicated team on all the work done to successfully pull this great festival together.”

The Findhorn Bay Festival was held over six days in September and brought a high quality and vibrant mix of live music, fine-art, installations, architecture, design and photography, talks, tours, free activities, an education and outreach programme, and Scotland's only Culture Day into the heart of Moray placing a spotlight on the built and natural environment in and around the bay of Findhorn.

Festival Director, Kresanna Aigner, said: "We are delighted to have received support from the Moray Council, affirming their commitment to support a diverse economy.

“The post Festival evaluation demonstrates that successful events help to develop the cultural tourism market and bring economic benefits to the people of Moray - partnership working is a key component to making this a success".

In working with a wide range of individuals and organisations, the Findhorn Bay Festival brought together the cultural and creative community and worked alongside the tourism sector, business, accommodation providers and the third sector to achieve common goals. The Marketing & Outcomes report demonstrates that the Festival drew bumper crowds, substantial economic impact and tremendous community involvement from Moray and beyond.

You can watch a video of some of the highlights here , A copy of the report and more images are in the 'Related Material' section below.