Trustees of the Aberdeen International Youth Festival (AIYF) have admitted defeat in their quest for continued council funding.
Last month, city councillors voted to stop paying the annual £150,000 contribution and sparked an angry backlash from supporters of the event which has been running for nearly 50 years.
Another vote had been scheduled for today, which might have potentially saved the grant funding, but following crisis talks over the weekend, the AIYF board trustees agreed they will now rethink their whole strategy.
In a statement sent to the Press and Journal last night, artistic director Stewart Aitken wrote: “I spoke with members of the administration about a way forward for the organisation.
“After a robust and frank discussion about all the issues involved and a joint desire to find a way forward, the board of AIYF are now moved to acknowledge we have received great support from councillors across all parties recently and over many years, including many of the current administration.
“In light of the current situation, we are committed to revamping our business plan to ensure it sets out a sustainable way forward for the organisation which supports the ongoing process of moving to a new governance structure in the best possible way.”
Mr Aitken insisted that he and his colleagues would keep an “open mind” about the best way forward and pursue funding from other sources including Aberdeenshire Council.
He said: “A significant number of events take place there each year as part of the festival programme and, at present, they don’t provide direct funding to the organisation.”
He also thanked everyone for the “passionate support” which the AIYF had received since doubts were cast on its future and added: “We look forward to that continued support as we move forward. We would also say that we do not encourage personal attacks on councillors.”
Deputy leader of Aberdeenshire Council, Peter Argyle, confirmed last night the authority had not been contacted by anyone from AIYF.
But he added: “If they do get in touch, we would certainly listen to what they have to say.”