A major new initiative titled State of the Nation will bring together Scotland’s arts organisations for a one-day strategic gathering at Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, on Friday 24 October 2025.
Co-hosted by An Tobar and Mull Theatre, Citizens Theatre, and Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland, the event aims to spark collective action in response to funding cuts, political uncertainty, and a fragmented arts landscape.
The gathering will provide a space for Multi-Year Funded organisations to build stronger links, share resources, and develop a unified voice for advocacy and lobbying.
Rebecca Atkinson-Lord, Artistic Director of An Tobar and Mull Theatre, said,
“After years of firefighting, it feels powerful to be co-hosting an event that’s unapologetically about hope, ambition and collective action. This is our chance to stop reacting and start shaping the future we want—on our own terms. I hope this gathering sparks a renewed sense of agency and solidarity across the sector, and marks the beginning of a movement towards lasting, systemic change.”
The event will feature structured panel discussions and a dedicated space titled What is Tomorrow, where organisations can share unrealised projects and explore new partnerships.
Dominic Hill, Artistic Director and Joint CEO of Citizens Theatre, commented,
“I’m truly delighted to be co-hosting such a vital gathering for our sector. The Citizens Theatre has always been about bringing people together—and now, in our wonderful new building, that sense of welcome has been elevated even further. I look forward to welcoming colleagues from across Scotland into a space that’s been renewed for dialogue, collaboration, and the bold thinking our sector needs more than ever.”
The programme will focus on three key areas: resource sharing, advocacy and lobbying, and future planning to ensure long-term sustainability and inclusivity.
Louise Stephens, Creative Director and CEO of Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland, added,
“There is little breathing space in our industry for strategic thought and few spaces for exchange at organisational level. Spaces to exchange ideas, practice and joint thinking are essential to help us effectively advocate for our sector as a whole. For me, it’s part of our responsibility as leaders of organisations – however big or small – to make sure we make these chances to talk and work together, so that our individual efforts and hard work translate into a healthy foundation for the art and artists which are essential to our organisations’ existence. Our sector has been in reactive mode for many years now, so I’m thrilled to help make this opportunity for productive conversation and the chance to genuinely work together for the health of the sector.”
Attendance has already been confirmed from a wide range of organisations including National Theatre of Scotland, Traverse Theatre, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, and Equity.
More information can be found here.
