Rein came under scrutiny as the climax of the show was advertised as a “secret sex party in a cave.”
Scotland's Culture Secretary has told Holyrood he shares concerns raised over the decision to award more than £84,000 of public money to an explicit arts project involving “non-simulated” sexual performances.
A total of £84,555 has been awarded to director Leonie Rae Gasson to develop Rein in the January round of Creative Scotland's National Lottery Open Fund.
The project's website describes it as a 45-minute multi-screen moving image installation that “immerses audiences in a raucous collective exploration of dykes' sexuality.”
lhave Subject to audit The climax of the show was advertised as a “secret sex party in the cave.”
Participants aged over 18 were invited to take part, with budding performers being offered £270 a day to take part in a range of scenes – including 'sweating', 'vanilla sex' and 'more hardcore action'.
It has been described as a “pro-sex and pro-sex project”, with those with experience in the porn industry encouraged to apply.
After Rein made headlines over the weekend, Creative Scotland He issued a statement saying the project request did not make clear how clear the art installation was.
Funding is now being reviewed.
“I share the concerns raised”
During substantive questions in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Foreign Affairs and Culture, said: “I share the concerns that have been raised, including by Creative Scotland itself.”
“I can't see any way what has been described should get public funding.
“As members will know, the Scottish Government has no role in Creative Scotland’s decisions to fund individual projects.
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“However, Creative Scotland, I understand, is rapidly reviewing this allocation as it was clear that what was communicated simply did not meet the purpose for which funding was requested.”
Mr Robertson said he looked forward to “sharing Creative Scotland on its findings” and would update the MSPs “shortly”.
On Ms. Gasson's website, Ren is described as: “Slipping between the realities of fiction and the other world, the real and the imaginary, the work takes us on a journey of discovery and belonging, exploring the embodiment of different forms of discord.”
It is scheduled to premiere in the fall of 2025.
Sky News contacted Glasgow– Mrs. Jason for comment.
In its statement, Creative Scotland said: “We support freedom of expression and the ability of artists to push the boundaries of radical performance.
“However, the Rein project is much clearer in its implementation than indicated in the submission received to our open fund.
“As such, we are reviewing this award and will discuss next steps with the applicant and with other partners in the project.”
Sky News is still waiting to hear back from Creative Scotland on whether it was aware of the “non-simulated” sexual aspect of the project before or after funding was awarded.
Neil Bibby MSP, Scottish Labour's Shadow Secretary for Constitution, Culture and Sport, called on the Arts Authority to release the full funding application and “claw back the money”.
In response, Mr Robertson said: “The specific queries raised by Neil Bibby are very appropriate. But what I would like to do primarily is wait for the conclusions from Creative Scotland.”
“On the basis of what was subsequently concluded in the review, further questions will undoubtedly follow in relation to the consequences.”
