NEMIS No More?

• 7th Nov 2005

Due to lack of funding from Government bodies such as The Scottish Arts Council, the future of NEMIS – one of the most important resources for up and coming contemporary musicians and those involved in the music industry in Scotland – is uncertain.

New Music Development officer Alec Downie released a statement recently announcing that from Monday 31st of October, the NEMIS office will be closed and he will be unable to take calls or arrange any further meetings – effectively becoming unemployed. However, the website will remain in place, itself an invaluable resource to the Scottish music scene – with up to date industry news, FAQ’s, advice and a useful directory for musicians and industry professionals alike.

Alec also states ‘The NEMIS board are exasperated that SAC and Government fail to see the value of an organisation that provides a high level of unbiased support and advice in a cost effective and reasoned way i.e. we have operated over the past 2 years for just £70K, provided support to numerous individuals and carried out a massive amount of initiatives. While we have had a number of offers from people to raise funds by putting on gigs etc it is my strong belief that if we raise money ourselves it dilutes the political argument that, on merit, contemporary music in Scotland should be getting the same support as other art forms and that NEMIS has a pivotal role in supporting contemporary music in Scotland.’

The full press release can be viewed here – link – together with advice on what to do if you wish to help support NEMIS and it’s future in the Scottish Music Industry.