Arts body to review £85k funding for 'hardcore' sex project

Scotland's cultural development body is reviewing a decision to provide nearly £85,000 of public money for an arts project involving "hardcore" sex performances.

Director Leonie Rae Gasson secured the funding from Creative Scotland for the Rein development in January through the National Lottery Open Fund.

The project's website describes it as a 45-minute art installation which pays those who take part a fee of £270 per day to take part in "non-simulated" sex, including "hardcore" acts.

Feminist campaigners For Women Scotland said the project "dehumanises" women and promotes "unhealthy and dangerous" relationships.

A recruitment advert for Rein states actors must be over the age of 18 and asks those with previous sex work experience - "particularly in porn contexts" - to apply while the project's website says it will take audiences on a "magical, erotic journey through a distinctly Scottish landscape".

Creative Scotland initially told the Sunday Post they were "aware of concerns" and would now investigate the project.

In a later statement, they added that Rein was "considerably more explicit in its execution" than in the initial application.

They stated: "As such, we are reviewing this award and will be discussing next steps with the applicant and with the other partners in the project."

In Ms Gasson's description of the project, she said: "If you are selected to be in the cast, our intimacy co-ordinators will support you to more clearly identify your detailed needs and boundaries with the sexual aspects of the work.

"This is a pro-sex and pro-sex worker project, so, even if your character does not engage in sex, you will be around those that do."

MSP Meghan Gallacher has expressed concern about the project

The project website adds that the event will end with a secret cave sex party and then describes several sexual terms that will be "exploding onto the screens".

It also states that the project will be "exploring new approaches to intimacy coordination and non-simulated sex".

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Meghan Gallacher said: "Given the concerns raised here, Scottish government ministers must make clear that robust processes were followed before handing over taxpayers' money for the show."

The Scottish government said funding decisions were made independently by the arts body.

For Women Scotland told the Scottish Sun: "At a time when genuine arts projects struggle to find funding, it seems that Scottish government-supported bodies are eager to splash the cash on projects that dehumanise women and promote unhealthy and dangerous relationships."

A Creative Scotland spokesperson said: "We are aware of concerns being raised about this project and we are investigating. We will say more in due course."

Ms Gasson is a Glasgow-based director whose website biography describes herself as someone who "approaches her work from a queer and neurodivergent perspective."

The project is listed as premiering in the autumn of 2025.