Aberdeen Performing Arts’ Annual Finance Report for 2024/25 highlights a strong year of financial performance, re-affirming the organisation’s status as a leading force in Scotland’s cultural landscape.
The full report demonstrates a robust position, with healthy reserves and a positive close to the financial year. Whilst the accounts reflect a planned deficit, this outcome aligns with budget expectations and is primarily attributable to previous capital investments and ring-fenced funding commitments.
Excluding the impact of these strategic infrastructure investments, Aberdeen Performing Arts has achieved an operating surplus, reinforcing its financial resilience and enabling the charity to continue delivering exceptional cultural experiences for the community well into the future.
Aberdeen Performing Arts Director of Finance and Commercial, Matt Godfrey, said: “These figures demonstrate a really strong year for APA.
“We are attracting more visitors than ever to the city and creating opportunities for a growing and increasingly diverse community of artists and participants.
“Long-term capital investments in our historic venues – such as the redevelopment of the Music Hall, which re-opened in 2018 – can, at first glance, make our figures appear as a deficit. These investments are vital for the city and the region, not only to protect the long history of our iconic venues, but also to ensure that they remain vibrant, accessible spaces for generations to come.
“We are deeply grateful to our supporters and funders for their trust and commitment, enabling us to build a resilient, adaptable and prosperous future for the arts in Aberdeen and beyond.”
Chair of Aberdeen Performing Arts Finance Committee, Christine Dodds, commented: “We are committed to the long-term sustainability of APA and to investing in the cultural fabric of our city, ensuring the arts remain accessible for all. Our financial performance is in line with forecasts, demonstrating prudent and consistent stewardship, and we are well-positioned as we look ahead to 2026. We are delighted to see such strong engagement from our community and to work together towards a vibrant and inspiring future for the arts.”
"We are committed to the long-term future of APA and investment in the future of our city, ensuring the arts is accessible for all, and that is demonstrated in this report. Our finances are as forecast, which demonstrates good, steady financial stewardship and we are in a strong position as we head in to 2026.
“We are delighted to see so many in our community engaging with the arts and working with us towards a vibrant, exciting future.”