Arts event promotes city centre
Aberdeen city centre will be on the international stage this summer as it plays host to one of the world's biggest celebrations of youth arts.
For the Aberdeen International Youth Festival (AIYF) - beginning on 27 July - a vibrant, appealing and safe city centre is a key component in its efforts to boost attendances to the many top-class attractions it organises in city centre venues.
However, AIYF has a lot more to offer than just artistic talent. Figures from its 2008 event demonstrate that over its two-week programme, the economic impact delivered to Aberdeen was £1.1 million, with an estimated £1.3 million injection to the Scottish economy as a whole.
Recognising the significance of attracting visitors to the city centre, the Aberdeen BID is sponsoring AIYF acts, Ceól Mór and the Blamoral Splore, both traditional music performers, at the Douglas Hotel situated within the BID area.
Stewart Aitken, AIYF's artistic director and CEO, said: "Aberdeen's cultural industries have a significant relationship with city centre businesses. We generate events and attractions which encourage visitors to the city centre, and in turn, we rely on convenient, quality venues and supportive businesses to help promote and host the arts.
"This year's AIYF will see over 50 per cent of its shows and events held within Aberdeen's city centre. And, with over 1500 young people and adults involved in this year's festival, we are confident that businesses in Aberdeen will experience a direct economic impact.
"We fully support the Aberdeen BID as evidence shows that BIDs strategies can have a long-term impact on the atmosphere, appeal and safety of city centres. AIFY welcomes the proposed improvements outlined in the Aberdeen BID strategy should there be a successful ballot - a cleaner, safer and more attractive city centre would be a great draw for local and international visitors."
Mary Martin, director of Douglas Hotels, added: "AIYF is a fantastic attraction for Aberdeen, involving very talented and enthusiastic young people from around the world. Douglas Hotels is pleased to be hosting one of this year's festival musical acts thanks to support from Aberdeen BID.
"The Aberdeen BID is a new and exciting opportunity for the business community and public sector to invest and work together to make the city centre more attractive to all and Douglas Hotels is fully supportive."
