Scottish Opera secures major sponsorship deal as Accenture pledges support

Scottish Opera has secured an innovative sponsorship agreement with management and technology consultancy firm Accenture that involves providing a combination of cash and value-in-kind support over the next three years in excess of £400,000. The deal makes this one of the largest arts sponsorships currently in place in Scotland, Accenture continuing its commitment to the Scottish marketplace. Under Accenture's "intelligent funding" model, the sponsorship pioneers a new kind of partnership between arts organisation and sponsor in Scotland. Scottish Opera's ambitions to function as a 21st century sustainable arts organisation, in parallel to growing artistically, will no doubt be significantly boosted by a close working relationship that will enable the institution to tap into Accenture's skills and experience. As part of the deal, the firm will inject its management consultancy and technology expertise to develop effective business systems for the opera company to enhance its operational performance. Alex Reedijk Alex Reedijk, General Director of Scottish Opera, stressed the broader implications of the new agreement: "The Arts are increasingly looking to new models of funding, and I am delighted Scottish Opera is able to lead the way through this innovative relationship with Accenture. Their sponsorship will not only enable us to achieve our artistic ambitions to produce more work, but will contribute significantly to Scottish Opera's continued development as a modern, efficient arts organisation. The fact that this is a three year commitment is as important to us as the high value of Accenture's support." The first of a range of productions and performances to benefit from the sponsorship will be Five:15 Operas Made in Scotland, Scottish Opera's new programme of specially-commissioned 15 minute operas. This is part of a wide package of client and employee benefits.   E&OE