Creative Scotland Backs Belmont Cinema Revival with Multi-Year Funding
Efforts to revive Aberdeen’s historic Belmont Cinema have taken a major step forward with the announcement of £169k per year in Multi-Year Funding from Creative Scotland. This vital support will enable the ongoing work to bring the beloved independent cinema back to life, ensuring it remains a cultural landmark for generations to come.
Belmont Community Cinema Ltd, the charity leading the charge to reopen the Belmont Cinema, expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for this significant investment in the project.
“This commitment from Creative Scotland can be seen as a major vote of confidence in our efforts to put film, education, community and customer experience at the heart of The Belmont Cinema’s future - we’re incredibly grateful to them for their support,” said Jacob Campbell, Chair of Belmont Community Cinema Ltd. “This funding will not only help us secure the cinema’s future, but it will also strengthen our ability to create a vibrant cultural hub that serves individuals and communities across the North East of Scotland.”
Matt Buchanan, the new Chief Executive of The Belmont Cinema, said: “This funding is transformative for our work to bring the Belmont Cinema back to life. Creative Scotland’s support is not just an investment in our cinema, but also in Aberdeen’s cultural future and in the future of our city centre. We are committed to making Belmont a thriving hub for film, art, and community engagement - for Aberdeen, by Aberdeen - and this funding provides the stability that we need to achieve those goals.”
The Belmont Cinema has long been a cherished part of Aberdeen’s cultural fabric, playing host to independent films, local events, and community gatherings. Its closure in 2022 was a significant loss for the city, but thanks to the dedication of Belmont Community Cinema Ltd and their community, the support of Creative Scotland, Aberdeen City Council and others, the dream of reopening this cultural icon’s doors is steadily becoming a reality.
“We believe in the power of the arts to transform lives and bring communities together,” added Buchanan. “This funding allows us to plan for the future with confidence and to renew our commitment to providing a space where everyone can enjoy and celebrate the magic of cinema.”
Welcoming the news, Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council's culture spokesperson said:
"It is great for the Belmont team to gain this welcome award. The Belmont is a very important cultural and social initiative and the funding decision will really help move this exciting cinema project forward. The three year period funding is recognition of the strength and credibility of this community-based cinema proposal. I am really grateful to the Belmont team for the amazing energy and enthusiasm that they are contributing to make all this happen."
Sambrooke Scott, Head of Audience Development at Screen Scotland, said:
“Belmont Community Cinema Ltd is leading the efforts to restore and revive Aberdeen's only independent cinema. Screen Scotland fully supports these efforts and their proposed programme of activity which will bring cinema to their community, put in place the foundations for the future and help them realise their ambitions. Multi-Year Funding is aligned and tied to these ambitions and provides confidence and a commitment for BCC to seek and secure the necessary funding and partnerships going forward.”
Belmont Community Cinema Ltd’s plans for the venue include renovating the space, programming diverse and inclusive screenings, and fostering strong partnerships with other cultural organisations across the city, including the award winning media organisation Station House Media Unit (shmu).
Shmu’s Chief Executive Murray Dawson said:
“We are thrilled that Creative Scotland is supporting this transformative vision for the new Belmont Cinema. As a key partner, shmu will ensure that film education and filmmaking are embedded at the heart of this exciting new chapter for Aberdeen. From introductory workshops to accredited training, we will create accessible opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to develop their skills, tell their stories, and explore careers in the screen sector. This funding marks a vital step in making the Belmont a truly inclusive and community-driven space for film culture in the North East.”
With renewed backing from Creative Scotland, Belmont Community Cinema Ltd hopes to re-establish the Belmont Cinema as a beacon for independent film and film-making in the North East of Scotland.