Hello folks, 
 
The clock is ticking, and we are counting down. As with any complex festive meal prep, we’ve got numerous timers and alarms set: 

  • Only 2 days to 24hr Board Games Marathon, fundraiser in aid of Function Schmunction 
  • 19 days to the end of 2024, which has been challenging for all of us: our team, our community and for the world beyond 
  • 50 days until the outcome of our Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding ‘make or break’ application for our future funding at the end of January 
  • And 109 days until our funding ends on 31st March along with all our team’s contracts 
     

The recent announcements from Scottish Government on proposed increase of £34 million for culture give us reason for hope. I am most looking forward to some movement in our community, some respite from the chronic underfunding that every single person in our sector feels. We all need this. 
 
Though we may not all feel the impact on 31st January, news that change is coming is good for the soul. 7 years of RFO is 4 years too long. I hope no matter what happens, that the powers that be know that this cannot happen again. The impact on folks’ wellbeing is too profound. 
 
Rona Munro was quoted in The Stage recently, “We are always, now, talking in terms of survival, pleading for money. Over and over, we have to justify our value. In a world without drama, music, arts and all other creative activity, our value would, too late, become horribly apparent.” 

Wishing all our pals, peers, participants, partners, audiences and supporters a very restful break if you’re having one. 

Here’s to a hopeful, happy 2025. 

Very best wishes, 
Mhari 

PS – Thank you so much for supporting IAP! 

Can you help support us with a donation, shares, or comments? 

👉 We have only 2 days left to reach our £2,500 target! Can you help with a donation to our fundraiser? 

🎲 This Saturday 14th December from 12noon me and IAP’s board of trustees will be holding a sponsored 24hr Board Games marathon in aid of Function Schmunction – a much loved project we want to bring back to Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2025. 

🤞 Can you help us bring back Function Schmunction, an interactive play space where autistic folk of all ages can celebrate and create opportunities for authentic autistic play, joy & connection? 

❤️ Donations from people like you are vital in supporting us to keep making spaces where people can see themselves and be themselves.

👉 You can read more about the project and donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/iap-24hr-board-games-marathon-for-function-schmunction

✨ Enormous thanks to all of you who have generously donated so far including all our anonymous supporters who we’ve not been able to thank directly. We’re at 66%! 

⌚️ We’ll be posting hourly updates throughout the marathon on our Instagram stories @IndeArtsProjects. Hope to see you there! 
 

📸 Geraldine Heaney

Connect with IAP through our Social Media channels
Bluesky: IAPonline
Facebook: /IndependentArtsProjects/
Instagram: @IndeArtsProjects
Linkedin: /Independent-Arts-Projects-ltd