May 2012
Creative Scotland arts funding shake-up sparks concerns
Arts organisations have voiced concerns about their future after a funding shake-up at Creative Scotland. more >
First in a Lifetime creative experiences for Scotland
The Year of Creative Scotland 2012 receives 2.2m boost. More people will be given First in a Lifetime opportunities to experience creativity during the Year of Creative Scotland 2012 more >
April 2012
Creative Say
Year of Creative Scotland 2012 is an exciting year of events that will highlight, celebrate and promote Scotland’s cultural and creative strengths on a world stage. more >
March 2012
Your Paintings project on track to have all public oil paintings in Scotland online by year end
The Public Catalogue Foundation (PCF), in partnership with the BBC, today announced that an additional 4,000 oil paintings from public collections across Central Scotland Fife and Perth, Kinross and Angus have been added to the Your Paintings website for the nation to enjoy. more >
National Companies attract growing audience
Scotland’s five national performing companies performed to almost half a million people in 2010-11, an increase of 19 per cent on the previous year. more >
Edinburgh to host biennial arts summit
Creative Scotland invests over £900,000 in improved creative spaces
New cinema spaces, a recording room for poetry and new creative workspaces in the Borders town of Selkirk are amongst some of the projects set to share in new Capital investment from Creative Scotland. more >
February 2012
Arts & Business figures for 2010-11 reveal significant increase in private investment in culture in Scotland in spite of recession
Arts & Business Scotland’s new figures released today reveal that in 2010/11, private investment in culture stood at £43.1 million, a 3.3% increase from the previous year. Since Arts & Business first started capturing this data in 1976 for private investment in the arts across the UK, this is the highest level ever achieved. more >
Independence ‘will kill the arts’ says singer
One of Scotland’s top opera singers has said she will move out of the country if it goes independent, claiming that it would be “death for the arts in Scotland”. more >
Support for culture sector
More than £1.1 million Scottish Government support for culture projects has been announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs. more >
January 2012
£1/2 Million Research Fund To Stimulate Digital Innovation in Scottish Arts and Culture
Creative Scotland, the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) today (17 January 2012) announces the Digital R&D Fund for Scottish Arts and Culture, a new £500,000 fund to help projects harness digital technologies to connect with wider audiences and explore new ways of working. more >
First in a lifetime experiences for the year of Creative Scotland
Creative Scotland has invested over £1.2 million to create First in a Lifetime opportunities for people to enjoy, or take part in, creative activity. Ten projects have been supported, stretching from the Shetland Islands to Dumfries, which will offer unique inspirational experiences for thousands of people. more >
December 2011
Funding for museums and galleries
Support of more than £1 million for Scotland's museums and galleries has been announced. more >
Culture vultures to swoop on city for global summit
Government ministers from across the globe are set to gather in Edinburgh next summer for the first ever International Culture Summit. more >
Director appointed to deliver national creative ageing festival
Creative Scotland, the Baring Foundation and Age Scotland are delighted to announce Anne Gallacher's appointment as Festival Director for a new national festival that will celebrate arts, creativity and ageing. more >
Year of Creative Scotland 2012
Scotland-wide celebrations for the Year of Creative Scotland 2012 have been mapped out by the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs. more >
Scots-Chinese cultural agreement
A Memorandum of Understanding on Culture between China and Scotland has been signed today, committing the governments in Beijing and Edinburgh to supporting greater exchange and collaboration across the arts, creative industries, heritage and national collections - one of three major cultural agreements sealing links between the two nations. more >
October 2011
New Fund Seeks to Develop Film Festivals in Under-Provided Areas of Scotland
Cinemas, film clubs, community groups, and other bodies seeking to present a public film festival in Scotland are being urged to apply for a share of a new £60,000 scheme from development agency, Regional Screen Scotland (RSS), thanks to investment from Creative Scotland. more >
Creating Safety
A new child protection guide for the creative community in Scotland has been launched to reflect important developments in legislation and policy. more >
Youth Music Initiative funding
A further £10 million is being invested in the Scottish Government's hugely successful Youth Music Initiative, the Culture Secretary has confirmed. more >
From Motherwell to Melbourne
Creative Scotland Chief Executive Andrew Dixon has arrived in Melbourne, to present the innovative Motherwell College Inspiring Change project to a gathering of international delegates from the world’s creative and cultural agencies. more >
September 2011
Culture budget invests in people and places
The Culture and External Affairs budget is investing in people, places and opportunities to increase sustainable economic growth, Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop said yesterday. more >
Culture - Spending Review
The Culture and External Affairs budget is investing in people, places and opportunities to increase sustainable economic growth, Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop said today. more >
Cabinet Secretary opens Public Consultation on Museums Strategy
Development of a National Strategy for Scotland’s museums and galleries moved into a public consultation phase today, September 16, 2011. more >
Creative Scotland Switches On Digital Innovation
A revolutionary new digital toolset for film marketing, a service to build links between the public and Scotland’s industrial design community, a new directory to connect artists with consumers, and the first Social Media Week offering the public new opportunities to engage with online content are amongst five new initiatives that reinforce Scotland’s reputation for creating innovative digital content for global distribution. more >
Cash from Criminals Inspires Young People's Creativity
Young people find their Creative Identities. On a visit to Elgin, Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, met Charlene Hart, a young woman who was inspired to progress a career in the arts after taking part in a government-funded Creative Identities programme. more >
August 2011
Creative Scotland joins TIGA
Creative Scotland is delighted to become the newest member of TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry. more >
New major arts festival planned with the focus on arts, creativity and ageing
Next year, Scotland's world famous festivals will be joined by another major event, an inspiring and ambitious annual festival of the arts for, by, with and about older people organised by Creative Scotland and Age Scotland, in partnership with The Baring Foundation. more >
Dance is good for Scotland
The Federation of Scottish Theatre has published the Dance In Scotland report which makes key recommendations to improve the health, happiness and skills of Scotland through dance, and to further the artform. more >
July 2011
Opportunities for Scotland to shine from 2012 to 2014
Ambitious plans for a three-year world-class celebration of Scottish culture and creativity have today been announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs. more >
Creative Scotland must keep art funding in the frame
It is worth repeating: Scotland is a world-beater right now. Not in football, or rugby, or tennis, or business, or banking – but in contemporary art. The last 20 years have seen some astonishing developments – and achievements – from modern Scottish artists. more >
Progress on national strategy for sector
Work to develop a national strategy for Scotland’s museums and galleries is well underway and has taken another step forward with the establishment of the Museum Strategy Group. more >
Creative Scotland - We are one today!
It’s been one year since Creative Scotland was established and what a busy year it’s been. We have published our three-year Corporate Plan, Investing in our Creative Future which sets out our ambition for the next 10 years – ‘to see Scotland recognised as one of the world’s most creative nations by 2020’. more >
June 2011
Stronger Foundations for Scotland's Creative Sector
Creative Scotland, the development agency for the arts, screen and creative industries, today announced the outcome of its review of foundation organisations. more >
ArtWorks Scotland
ArtWorks Scotland, a new programme to support artists to develop skills for working in participatory settings was announced by Creative Scotland, the national development body for the arts, screen and creative industries. more >
Publishing Scotland launch new company development project
Publishing Scotland, the trade and development body for the book publishing industry in Scotland launched their new Company Development Project yesterday with a call for applications. more >
May 2011
Help plan the future of Gaelic arts and culture - Cuideachadh le planadh nan ealan ghidhlig san m ri teachd
Cultural organisations across Scotland are being given the opportunity to help develop and deliver a new National Gaelic Arts Strategy. The strategy will set out what action will be taken to support and strengthen Gaelic arts and culture, with this framework then worked into the next National Plan for Gaelic (2012-17). more >
Creative Scotland provides 1 million for exploration of new investment models for films
Creative Scotland today (17 May 2011) unveiled a £1million investment into four pilot initiatives that will test new approaches to increasing the distribution and appreciation of Scottish cultural content, develop new audiences and return greater value to Scottish companies from film activities. more >
Mapping and impact study introduction
Your chance to contribute to major UK research into contemporary craft. The Crafts Council – with research partners Creative Scotland, Arts Council Wales and CraftNI - has commissioned a major new study of the size and impact of the contemporary craft sector. more >
Voluntary Arts Week
From choirs to quilters, dancers to drummers, over 2 million people have discovered just how fun and fulfilling getting involved in arts and crafts can be. more >
Revealed: How the Scottish arts faces its own Highland Clearances
Arts and culture in the Highlands and Islands are being hit harder than anywhere else in Scotland as the recession and funding cuts begin to bite, a survey by the Sunday Herald and The Herald can reveal. more >
April 2011
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and Creative Scotland Fellowship Programme 2011
In collaboration with Creative Scotland, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is delighted to announce the first appointments to the Artists’ Fellowship Programme. more >
March 2011
Creative Ageing: arts and older people
Over 200 arts participants (aged 50+), policy makers, local authorities and health boards united on Tuesday, 29 March 2011, to celebrate the benefits of a creative older population. more >
First details of new vision for Scotland’s museums unveiled
Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop pledged support for Scotland’s museums and galleries in a Scottish Government announcement issued to press over the weekend. more >
New games development studio and creative industries strategy
Culture Minister confirms Scottish base for APB Reloaded and launches Creative Industries Strategy. more >
Funding to boost Scotland’s creative industry
Scotlan will be one of the world’s “most creative nations” within nine years, the nation’s art funding body declared yesterday. more >
Creative Scotland secures four new broadcasting partnerships
Arts, screen and creative industries development agency Creative Scotland today (9 March) announced it has secured significant partnerships with the country’s major broadcasters. more >
Dolly’s gift to Scots kids
Scotland's looked after children are to receive a free book every month until their fifth birthday thanks to a new partnership with country and western superstar Dolly Parton. more >
February 2011
Inspiring Change
Inspiring Change, a ground-breaking programme of creative activity targeted at Scotland’s prisoner population, is set to reveal the initial findings of the impact of its work at a major conference today. more >
January 2011
Private investment in culture in Scotland is on the up!
Arts & Business figures released today reveal private investment in culture in Scotland increases by 6% in spite of recession. more >
Online help for public service planners launched by Museums Galleries Scotland
Museums Galleries Scotland has announced fresh details of their campaign that supports individuals and organisations making important decisions about the future of publicly-run museums and galleries in Scotland. more >
Why successful cities make creative places
Creative Scotland director Andrew Dixon: Some of the most successful modern cities in Europe, from Amsterdam to Barcelona, Madrid to Venice, have come to be defined by their artistic and cultural lives. Likewise in the UK there are many examples of cities that have, in their own way, used the arts and culture either for regeneration, tourism promotion or rebranding. more >
December 2010
The council that wants to chop its arts budget to zero
Amid the expected talk of slashing bus services and closing swimming pools lies the radical idea of ceasing all arts funding. more >
November 2010
Scots art bodies ordered to 'achieve' more with budget
Creative Scotland has been told to "achieve more" by the Scottish government in return for its 2011/12 budget being frozen. more >
Creative Scotland responds to the Scottish Government budget
Sir Sandy Crombie, Chairman, Creative Scotland Board speaking after the Scottish Government unveiled its budget, said: ‘This is a welcome expression of confidence in the contribution that the arts, screen and creative industries will make to securing Scotland’s future success.’ more >
Don’t cut the arts – our lives depend on them
Since the Second World War, there has been a consensus that public funding is essential in bringing the arts to everyone. Today, that consensus is being eroded as the tabloids persist in demonising the arts as “difficult” and “weird”. more >
Arts crisis? What crisis?
As head of Scotland’s most powerful arts organisation, Andrew Dixon could have been forgiven for surveying the cultural landscape last week and shaking his head in despair. more >
Best of island culture initiative launched
Scotland’s Islands, a new collaborative marketing initiative, will aim to raise the profile of the islands, attract new visitors, bolster community and economic development and strengthen links between the islands and mainland cultural organisations. more >
New arts chief wants national poet to be paid more money
The role of Scotland’s national poet should have more prestige and financial reward, a senior arts figure has declared. more >
October 2010
£1.5 million boost for creative industries
Minister for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop today joined creative industry leaders, researchers and academics at the University of St Andrews for the launch of a new business voucher scheme, as part of a £1.5 million drive to strengthen creative enterprise in Scotland. more >
Museums Galleries Scotland launch campaign for responsible change
Museums Galleries Scotland today launch a toolkit to help local authorities make decisions about how they deliver services locally in a 'cuts climate'. The toolkit, Choices for Change, arrives in time for local authorities to take account of the UK Government's comprehensive spending review announcement. more >
September 2010
Should Creative Scotland be in the business of creating profit from culture?
However much Creative Scotland wants to develop its role as a rights-sharing venture capitalist – and there may be some small scope for exploration there, either actively or as a broker – they must still recognise their ultimate function: as the organisation that allows creative imaginations to lift free from the usual pressure of consumer or investor expectations. more >
Support For Dundee's Digital Sector
The Culture Minister, Fiona Hyslop, has emphasised the importance of Dundee's digital industries to the Scottish economy during a visit to the city. more >
August 2010
Cutting edge: radical arts funding
Britain's creative output is hugely imaginative. But when it comes to funding, the arts world is one of the most conservative industries in the country. David Lister, arts editor, argues that reducing budgets could radicalise culture more >
Arts funding threat - 'Cuts could send the festivals into decline'
THERE is always a buzz of excitement about Edinburgh in August as the city transforms into the bustling centre of the artistic universe. But this year the dark clouds bringing the seemingly endless rain showers are not the only ones hovering over the world's biggest arts festival. The threat of savage public spending cuts that could just send the festivals into a spiral of decline
is troubling those who work in them
more >
July 2010
Most Scottish arts organisations to face deep funding cuts
Creative Scotland review of £18m core funding will bite from Edinburgh to Orkney. more >
Arts body launches at last ... as funding cuts loom
Many thought the curtain would never rise, but a new era in Scotland’s culture began yesterday with the official birth of the long-awaited new arts funding body for Scotland, Creative Scotland. more >
Creative Scotland aims to boost arts and culture
Scotland's new arts body Creative Scotland has been officially launched after the merger of the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen. more >
Creative Scotland Scotland's new cultural development body is formally established
Today marks a truly momentous change in the way we nurture and support Scotland’s reputation as a cradle and cultivator of talent across all art forms. A single, national body for the arts, culture and the creative industries in Scotland is what this Government promised and this is what we are now delivering. more >
June 2010
We will not please everyone, warns new arts chair
The final pieces of the establishment of the nation’s new arts funding body, Creative Scotland, were put in place yesterday with a new chairman and board. more >
May 2010
Rallying call to Scotland’s creative community
A 250 strong audience of artists, designers, filmmakers and individuals from across the artistic and creative spectrum gathered at the newly-refurbished Briggait in Glasgow today for the fourth Creative Scotland dialogue event. more >
Exporting arts is key, says chief of Creative Scotland
Creative Scotland will concentrate on places rather than sectors and forge alliances with countries such as America and India, its new chief executive has revealed. more >
Andrew Dixon’s first two months as Chief Executive Designate
Andrew Dixon, in his first two months in post as Creative Scotland’s Chief Executive Designate, will be travelling around Scotland meeting artists and organisations from the arts, creative industries and screen sectors. more >
April 2010
Scottish government publishes report on national arts companies
The report details the income, performance levels and education outcomes for the National Theatre of Scotland, Scottish Ballet, Scottish Opera and the two national orchestras the RSNO and the SCO in the two years after moving to direct funding from the Scottish Government in April 2007. more >
Scottish Opera tour for babies gets 'amazing' response
As well as entertaining and boosting the babies' IQ, Ms Davidson also hopes the 30-minute production will inspire a whole new audience for full-scale opera in the future. more >
March 2010
Government Of Scotland Provides Support For Creative Industries
Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop will lead the UK delegation at an informal meeting of the Council of EU Culture Ministers, organised by the Spanish presidency and being held in Barcelona tomorrow. more >
Creative Scotland set for summer launch
Creative Scotland will be ready to invest in talent, in ideas and in the people of Scotland by summer 2010.
The Scottish Parliament has endorsed the establishment of the new cultural development organisation, as part of the Public Services Reform Bill which passed its Stage 3 Debate yesterday.
more >
Sixteen Books Shortlisted for Scotland’s Biggest Literary Prize
Sixteen Scottish authors are in the running to receive £30,000 and Scotland’s Book of the Year accolade as part of the Scottish Arts Council’s Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust 2010 Book Awards. more >
Publishing Scotland tackles "challenging" report
Controversy over the future structure of Scottish publishing continued to simmer at the annual conference of Publishing Scotland in Edinburgh yesterday (24th February). more >
February 2010
Creative Scotland announces its Chief Executive
Creative Scotland 2009 Ltd is delighted to announce that the Chief Executive of Scotland’s national arts and culture body, Creative Scotland, will be Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive of the NewcastleGateshead Initiative for the last five years. more >
Report into future of Scottish literature
A strong future for Scottish literature has been mapped out in a report published today. more >
Final awards for inspiring communities
Communities across Scotland are celebrating a share of almost £800,000 to connect people through the arts and encourage long-lasting links between people, places and ideas. more >
More funding for Arts & Business
Funding of £50,000 is to be made available to increase the number of businesses engaging with the arts. more >
Public attitudes to broadcasting
As new research is published on public attitudes to broadcasting, the Scottish Government has announced a summit to explore the direction of Scottish broadcasting. more >
January 2010
Youngsters 'should get country dancing mentors'
Young people should get country dancing mentors to help safeguard Scottish traditions, it has been urged. more >
Report on the traditional arts
Young Scots seeking to improve their skills in traditional music or dance may get the opportunity to be mentored by a master exponent of the art. That is one of the recommendations of the Traditional Arts Working Group report, published today (Sunday), that explores the cultural legacy of Scotland's past as reflected in traditional art forms. more >
Scottish arts failed by trouble at the top
Devolution should have been a bright new dawn for the arts in Scotland, allowing local control over cultural policy for the first time, but progress has been slow and at times painful. more >
£1 million Amb:IT:ous start for Arts Organisations
Fifty-five Arts organisation have been accepted onto the Scottish Arts Council’s £1million Ambition Scotland programme. more >
Confidence in Scottish Culture
Scotland's cultural scene would see positive benefit if Holyrood was given increased responsibilities, a discussion event at the Celtic Connections festival has been told. more >
Creative Scotland event
Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop hosted the third Creative Scotland dialogue event in Dumfries today. These quarterly events are intended to update members of the artistic and creative community on ongoing progress towards the establishment of Creative Scotland and to hear their views on the new organisation. more >
Arts and technology Co-Create new ideas for learning
Ten arts organisations have been offered up to £30,000 each to develop innovative approaches to learning through Glow, thanks to a dynamic partnership project between Learning and Teaching Scotland (LTS) and the Scottish Arts Council. more >
December 2009
Arts world’s anger at ‘philistine politicians’
Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray’s reference to Fiona Hyslop’s new post as Culture Minister as a ‘non-job’ has provoked anger among Scotland’s artistic community. more >
Scottish arts funding hard hit by economic downturn
MORE than four out of ten arts organisations in Scotland have reported a drop in income, according to a survey. The Scottish Arts Council carried out a survey of dance, theatre, music and visual arts organisations to ask how they were coping with the economic downturn. more >
Future of Gaelic
Scotland's new Cabinet Secretary for Education has set out his vision for how Scotland can create a new generation of Gaelic speakers. more >
Free admission to historic Scotland sites
Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution Michael Russell has announced a weekend of free entry to 47 Historic Scotland sites. more >
Share your perspectives on Creative Scotland
Over the last two months, Creative Scotland’s online discussion forum has seen ideas around the creative practitioner, accessibility, participation and International discussed, contrasted, compared and challenged. more >
Scotland's Alex Salmond demotes under-fire minister Fiona Hyslop
In a straight swap, Hyslop has been given the junior post of minister for culture and external affairs – taking her out of Salmond's cabinet – and her job has been handed to Mike Russell, who until today combined the roles of minister for constitutional reform and culture minister. more >
Scotland Week
First Minister Alex Salmond and External Affairs Minister Michael Russell are in Brussels today aiming to strengthen economic and cultural links with European partners. more >
November 2009
Edinburgh fringe fees frozen for second year
Edinburgh Festival Fringe has frozen its participation fees at 2008 levels, despite warnings from the city council that arts organisations across the city face a 4% cut in funding in 2010. Previously, fees had been rising at about 4% annually. more >
People and culture in Scotland, 2008
Scotland's Chief Statistician today published a range of statistics relating to cultural attendance and participation by adults in Scotland. more >
Language no barrier to literary prize
A Swiss-German author for whom English is a second language has made it to the shortlist of Scotland's most prestigious literary award. more >
Perspectives on participation
Perspectives is the place where the challenges facing the new organisation Creative Scotland can be discussed, contrasted and compared. Perspectives is presenting and debating provocative ideas about realising Scotland’s cultural potential. more >
New partnership to support Scottish museums announced
Museums Galleries Scotland and The Collections Trust are delighted to announce a new partnership which celebrates a shared vision for Scotland’s museums and galleries. more >
Creative Scotland reveals business model
Creative Scotland 09 has unveiled its eagerly anticipated business model, setting out the structure and operational design of the new cultural development body, which is due to be formed in the first half of next year. more >
Communities across Scotland inspired by the Arts
National Lottery funding of over £2.5 million will be used to inspire thousands of people in communities across Scotland to participate in the arts. more >
Biggest ever St Andrew's 'Do'
Culture Minister Michael Russell today unveiled Edinburgh's St Andrew's Day programme, a key part of the Homecoming Scotland Finale Celebrations taking place across the country. more >
October 2009
Creative Scotland launch will mean at least 33 job losses
Jobs will be lost from the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen when they merge to become Creative Scotland, according to the long-awaited business model for the new organisation which sets out its structure and operational design. more >
Support for new creative talent in Scotland as Starter for 6 gets £1m
A programme to support creative entrepreneurs north of the border has received £1m backing from Creative Scotland’s Innovation Fund.The extended Starter for 6 programme will be delivered by Scotland's Cultural Enterprise Office. more >
Creative Scotland business model unveiled
Creative Scotland 09 Ltd unveiled its eagerly anticipated business model, setting out the structure and operational design of the new cultural development body, which is due to be formed in the first half of next year. more >
Homecoming for Highland archives
The Homecoming of the first of hundreds of archive records to the Highlands will be marked by Parliamentary Business Manager Bruce Crawford, during a visit to the new Highland Archive and Registration Centre in Inverness today. more >
Draft Budget - what it means for the arts
Spending on key cultural and international policies has been maintained in today's Draft Scottish Budget, despite a real terms cut in the Scottish Government's Budget, Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution Michael Russell said. more >
Cementing cultural ties with Kolkata
A protocol of co-operation on heritage issues was signed today between the Scottish Government and the Government of West Bengal, at the same time as an exchange programme for film students was announced. more >
Creative Scotland 09 launches online perspectives
Perspectives is the place where the challenges facing the new organisation Creative Scotland can be discussed, contrasted and compared. Perspectives will present and debate provocative ideas about realising Scotland’s cultural potential. more >
Scottish Gaelic, as spoken in Brussels
Scotland’s 60,000 Gaelic speakers will be able to use their mother tongue if they want to communicate with European Union officials in Brussels and Luxembourg, and ministers can speak the language in meetings with their continental colleagues. more >
Narratives of community and hope: museums and ethnicity
MuseumsEtc is calling for essay submissions for an edited book that will examine museum approaches to the representation of ethnic minorities. We are interested in essays that discuss the forms of cultural participation in the museum as a narrative and interpretative space. more >
September 2009
New Lanark World Heritage Site...in 3D!
A team from Historic Scotland and Glasgow School of Art is creating detailed 3D virtual models of Scotland's five World Heritage sites, as well as five International Heritage Sites — known as the Scottish 10. more >
August 2009
Scottish laser pioneers lead way in preserving world heritage treasures
British scientists are to begin work on a revolutionary project to record three-dimensional models of world heritage sites so that they can be re-created if they fall victim to climate change, natural disaster, war or terrorism. more >
Creative Scotland launches 'Vital Spark' awards
A new £1million fund offering direct support to artists was been launched this month. Creative Scotland has committed £1 million from its £5m innovation Fund for the ‘Vital Spark’ awards to enable new collaborations by creative practitioners. more >
Theatre angels delight in allowances
Investing in the arts should be big business given sell-out runs at the International Festival of many productions, including The Last Witch and Faust, and with tickets for scores of Fringe shows, not least Rhys Darby and Denise Van Outen, hard to come by. But when it comes to backing the arts, UK tax laws are positively medieval compared with other countries. more >
Creative Scotland 'coming soon'
Transition director Richard Holloway said: "I can safely say Creative Scotland will come - and soon." more >
Scotland’s arts organisations get ambitious
The Scottish Arts Council has today launched AmbITion Scotland, a new £800,000 programme to support digital development and change in arts organisations throughout Scotland. more >
…And all that jazz: Scottish Arts Council launches CPD Scotland initiative
The Scottish Arts Council is pleased to announce that international music producers Serious will generate a significant new pilot project designed to facilitate the continuing professional development of emerging jazz musicians living and working in Scotland. more >
July 2009
Gaelic cultural role / Ag Aithneachadh Àite Cultarail Na Gàidhlig
The Creative Scotland section of the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill is published in Gaelic today. This translation allows members of the many Gaelic cultural and arts bodies an opportunity to consider the arrangements for establishing Creative Scotland in their preferred language. more >
Opportunity knocks in the Year of Homecoming
As Scots from all over the world meet for the greatest international clan gathering ever seen, figures published today show a huge increase in visits to Scotland's 'gateway' website in the run up to Homecoming Scotland 2009. more >
New Scottish arts programme finds its home
An exciting assortment of new dance, theatre poetry and visual arts projects gets fully underway this August as part of The Scottish Arts Council’s Homecoming programme. more >
Tender for Provision of Creative Lead - Glasgow 2014
Glasgow 2014, the Organising Committee for the Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow has launched a search to find the best creative talent to deliver a breathtaking vision of both city and nation at the Closing Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in 2010 in Delhi. more >
Plans to resurrect Leith Theatre scaled down
Campaigners seeking to reopen Edinburgh’s Leith Theatre have been forced to alter their multi-million pound proposals after failing to secure a £3 million arts funding prize. more >
World heritage sites to be seen in digital 3D
Some of Scotland's world heritage sites are to be digitally documented in an international 3D scanning project. more >
Communities shape their culture
People who traditionally find it difficult to enjoy and participate in Scotland's cultural and creative life can do so if activities are better planned and co-ordinated at local level. That's the finding from an evaluation of the Cultural Pathfinder Programme, which supported 13 pilot projects throughout Scotland over two years, exploring practical ways to get people involved in cultural activities. more >
June 2009
Arts projects compete for £3m funding
The Scottish Book Trust, Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop and Edinburgh College of Art are in the running to secure a £3 million arts funding prize for Edinburgh. more >
£300,000 annual blow to new arts funding body
Scotland's arts funding body is to lose its charitable status at a cost to the arts world of around £300,000 a year, it has emerged. more >
Scots government unveils £5m recession fund for arts
The Scottish government has announced details of a £5 million package of funds aimed at helping the arts and cultural sector through the current economic downturn. more >
Creative Scotland innovation fund
Creative Scotland 2009 Ltd has created an innovative package of projects to support Scotland's artists and practitioners during these tough economic times. more >
Support for creative industries
Scotland's Creative Industries Partnership brings together the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, Creative Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and Scottish Enterprise in an agreement forged by the short-life working group established by Culture Minister Michael Russell. more >
New chapter for book festival
The Edinburgh International Book Festival has been allocated £55,000 Expo funding for a project to showcase the best of Scotland's leading and new writers. more >
The Scottish Arts Council gets ready to glow
The Scottish Arts Council and Learning and Teaching Scotland (LTS) are joining forces to bring arts education resources online through Glow, the world’s first national intranet for education. more >
Cunningham to play star role in creation of new arts funding body
One of Scotland's leading traditional musicians is to play a huge part in forming the nation's new arts funding body. Phil Cunningham, the multi-instrumentalist and composer, perhaps best know for playing the accordion, has been appointed to the board of Creative Scotland Ltd, the company that is planning the £3m merger of the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen into Creative Scotland. more >
Museums summit
The first ever summit to examine the challenges faced by Scotland's museums sector is being held in Stirling today. more >
Creative Scotland
Phil Cunningham is the final appointee to the board of Creative Scotland 2009 Ltd. He will be a non-executive director for the company that is completing work to merge the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen into Creative Scotland - the new single national development body for arts and culture. more >
May 2009
Scottish Arts Council plans for stability through 2009/10
A year of integration and stability, while preparing for change, are the themes of the 2009/10 Scottish Arts Council business plan, which has today been published on the organisation’s website. more >
£1m funding announced for 'Made in Scotland'
Culture Minister Michael Russell announced the award of over £1 million to create ‘Made in Scotland’ - a partnership between the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, the Federation of Scottish Theatre and the Scottish Arts Council. It will be a curated showcase of high quality performances to promote Scottish dance and theatre artists to international promoters at the Fringe, the world’s biggest arts festival. more >
Culture Council in Brussels
Speaking after leading the UK delegation for the first time at the Culture Council in Brussels, Scottish Government Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution Michael Russell said: "This was a very useful Council meeting which had a particular resonance because of its focus on the creative industries." more >
In the red? Let’s paint the town
While empty shops punctuating high streets may have become a defining, if depressing, feature of the credit crunch, Scotland's artists are finding these spaces left behind by collapsing retailers perfect for setting up impromptu galleries and studios. more >
Former athlete fit and able to leap new arts funding hurdle
Perhaps it was Ben Thomson's expertise at leaping hurdles as an international decathlete which convinced ministers he was the right man to be the new chairman of the National Galleries of Scotland. more >
April 2009
Historic Scotland offers credit crunch special for families
Historic Scotland is offering a credit-crunch special for families, "Make Your Own History", whereby people get six months free membership when they buy 12 months. This means a family will pay just £6.16 a month for free access to over 70 properties run by Historic Scotland. more >
Russell flies flag in New York
South of Scotland MSP Michael Russell has been flying the flag for the region across the Atlantic. In his capacity as Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, he was part of the Scottish Parliament delegation for Tartan Week in New York earlier in the month. more >
Eight new projects supported by Scottish Arts Council Public Art Fund
Public art projects to be developed in locations throughout Scotland have been given a boost thanks to funding from the Scottish Arts Council’s new Public Art Fund. A total of £466k of National Lottery funds have been allocated to the projects which will investigate the possibilities for public art within beaches, woodland, schools, parks and a library, and include practice such as dance, performance, music and film along with visual arts. more >
Design champion review
A report on the first review of Scotland's design champion, Architecture and Design Scotland (A+DS), has been published today. The Scottish Government's policy and financial management review of A+DS concludes that there remains a clear role for the national body in promoting good quality design. more >
Arts education from across the pond
Last month, three teaching artists were in Chicago to share ideas, best practice and strategies on bringing arts to the whole curriculum. more >
Cultural visits in Glasgow
Following a meeting with the Chair and Chief Executive of Culture and Sport Glasgow, Culture Minister Michael Russell is undertaking a series of visits to Glasgow cultural sites. more >
Legacy potential of the Commonwealth Games
The 2014 Commonwealth Games will see Glasgow hosting a spectacular sporting event which will be viewed the world over but it is also an unrivalled opportunity to leave a lasting cultural legacy for the people of Scotland, Minister for Culture Michael Russell said today. more >
On location in Scotland
Better support for film and TV production in the shape of greater tax incentives would bring significant economic benefits and promote Scotland as a creative and cost-effective place for film-makers, Minister for Culture Michael Russell said today. more >
3.3 million cost of establishing Creative Scotland - but since the train has left the platform, where’s the destination?
Culture Minister Michael Russell has made public the cost of establishing Creative Scotland in a marriage of Scottish Screen and the Scottish Arts Council. He has given assurances that the £3.3 million total will come from Government and will not be deducted from the funding allocated to grant aiding of the creative arts in Scotland. more >
£100,000 to support mental health and wellbeing through the arts
Five arts organisations have been supported by the Scottish Arts Council to further develop their work within the field of arts and mental health recognising the positive role the arts can play in improving mental health and wellbeing. more >
Up, up and away - Show Scotland 2009
Show Scotland provides museums and galleries with an opportunity to be creative and daring with their collections and venue space. These innovative and original events are specially designed for Show Scotland. more >
March 2009
Scotland cultural policy briefing
Visiting Arts, in partnership with the Scottish Arts Council (SAC), hosted an event for cultural diplomats based in the UK to receive a briefing from members of Scottish Government, SAC and three major Scottish arts organisations. more >
Criminal cash helps creativity
Young people across Scotland are to be given the opportunity to get creative and try something new, thanks to over £1 million cash seized from criminals. more >
Mike Russell: bloodied but only a little bowed
Now Mike Russell is back as a key member of the Scottish government with responsibility for culture, external affairs and the constitution, pontificating with chutzpah as if he has never been away. more >
Antonine Wall receives World Heritage Site status
Two culture ministers toured the Antonine Wall yesterday in recognition of its status as a World Heritage Site.The most northerly frontier of the Roman Empire in Britain, which was built on the orders of Emperor Antoninus Pius nearly 2000 years ago, recently became Scotland's fifth World Heritage Site. It joined others, including St Kilda and Edinburgh's Old Town, in achieving the protected status. more >
Shaping the future of broadcasting
Steps being taken to realise the potential for growth in the broadcasting industry have been unveiled today in the Scottish Government's response to the Scottish Broadcasting Commission's (SBC) report. more >
New Book Awards sponsor confirmed as category shortlists announced
Scotland’s richest book awards have secured a new sponsor granting a generous increase for the overall Book of the Year prize to £30,000 and to category prizes of £5,000. Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust Book Awards, in partnership with the Scottish Arts Council. more >
Scottish arts body ‘will cost £4m to set up’
Senior sources suggest that the cost of merging the Scottish Arts Council, which funds more than 100 arts bodies across the country, and Scottish Screen, the national film agency, will be more than the £1m set aside for the task, but less than the rumoured £7m. more >
February 2009
New culture minister calls for unity on his return to the arts
Scotland has had nine ministers with responsibility for cultural matters in the 10 years since devolution. If the new minister for culture, Michael Russell, wanted to get his tenure off to a positive start - engaging with the artistic community and answering pertinent questions - he did so in assured style. more >
Culture minister Russell pledges to put artists at the centre of Scottish arts policy
Creative Scotland will still go ahead and creatives will be at the heart of government arts policy, according to Scotland’s recently appointed culture minister Mike Russell. more >
New Scottish Culture Minister holds open forum
Michael Russell, the Scottish Government's new Minister for Culture, met with around 100 representatives from Scotland's arts and culture industry. At an event held at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, Scots artists, architects and creatives were given the chance to share their views on issues affecting the sector. more >
Culture Minister meets Scotland's artistic community
Culture Minister Michael Russell met with representatives of Scotland's artistic and creative communities on February 18, 2009. The meeting gave artists the chance to share their views on current issues. more >
The downfall of a Culture Minister
In one quick reshuffle yesterday morning, Linda Fabiani was gone - the eighth minister with responsibility for culture in the 10 years of devolution dropped through the stage's trap door once again. more >
Securing the future for traditional arts
Culture Minister Linda Fabiani today confirmed the membership of the Traditional Arts Working Group, which she announced at the Hands up for Trad awards in December. more >
Debating Scottish media's future
In the wake of recent controversy about the funding of the BBC and Channel 4, a one-day conference will see Linda Fabiani, Minister for Culture, join a host of experts to debate the findings of the Scottish Broadcasting Commission and their potential impact. more >
January 2009
Taking part proves degrees have influence
New research released today by the Scottish Arts Council has shown, for the first time, the significance of higher education on those attending or taking part in the arts. more >
Burns 250th anniversary celebrations launch Homecoming Scotland 2009
Scotland’s Homecoming year, created and timed to mark the 250th anniversary of our national poet Robert Burns, has officially opened with a weekend of celebrations in his honour. more >
Celebrating Scottish culture
Scotland’s Minister for Culture, Strathaven-based MSP Linda Fabiani will be meeting young people at an event in Glasgow this Saturday to celebrate Scottish culture. more >
Jonathan Edwards leads 2012 /2014 Cultural Summit in Glasgow
Olympic triple jump champion Jonathan Edwards CBE is heading a delegation from the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) who have gathered in Glasgow for a summit exploring the cultural opportunities presented by both London 2012 and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. more >
440 artists and writers call on MSPs to kill off Creative Scotland
More than 400 artists, writers, and producers have signed a letter to MSPs urging them to vote down the next attempt to establish Creative Scotland, the merger between the nation's main cultural bodies, the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen. more >
It’s always been homeless, but now NTS can’t even get a Shed to stay in
A question mark has been raised over the proposed future home of the National Theatre of Scotland, a former engineering shed. more >
December 2008
Caledonia and Catalonia collaborate
The links between Scotland and Catalonia were strengthened today in a meeting between Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond and the President of Catalonia Jose Montilla Aguilera, held in Barcelona's Palau de la Generalitat. more >
Crafting a new wave of work
An eco-friendly textile company and a ceramist inspired by the Far East have each received financial support to develop their work. Edinburgh-based ceramist Frances Priest was awarded a £10,000 Creative Development award to allow her to incorporate the rich patterns and imagery of the Far East into her work. more >
Arts body frustrations discussed
More than 100 artists and arts organisations are due to attend two separate meetings to discuss their frustration over plans to shake up arts funding in Scotland. more >
Invitation to tender: 21st Century financing for the arts and creative industries in Scotland Study
The Creative Scotland Transition Project, the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen, in partnership with Scottish Government, would like to commission a review of financial investment mechanisms needed for investment in the arts and creative industries in Scotland in the 21st century. more >
21st Century financing for the arts and creative industries in Scotland Study – invitation to tender
The Creative Scotland Transition Project, the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen, in partnership with Scottish Government, would like to commission a review of financial investment mechanisms needed for investment in the arts and creative industries in Scotland in the 21st century. more >
November 2008
Culture year added £13m to Highland economy
The Highland Year of Culture generated almost £13m for the economy of the Highlands and Islands and created nearly 500 jobs, according to an evaluation of the year-long celebration. more >
Recession 'could hit' arts funding
During the good times hedge fund billionaires were happy to splash their cash on the arts, but in economic hard times will that sponsorship dry up? more >
Scotland bids to recover Olympic lottery cash
The Scottish Government has submitted a formal bid document to retrieve £150 million in lottery funds diverted from Scottish good causes to finance the 2012 London Olympics. more >
Whodunnit? Mystery over £3m prize to build new arts venture
A £3 MILLION award to build a new "creative and elegant" arts venue in Edinburgh was unveiled yesterday.
Competitive bids were invited yesterday to win funding for a new or refurbished arts space of "exceptional architectural and cultural merit" for Edinburgh. The winning project, to be built by 2013, could be anything from a concert hall to artists' studios.
more >
National arts body boss unveiled
Ewan Brown, the vice president of the Edinburgh International Festival, has been appointed to spearhead the creation of a new national arts body. more >
Chair appointed to Creative Scotland
The establishment of a single dedicated body for Scotland's arts and culture sector today gained further momentum as Ewan Brown was named Chair of Creative Scotland, the new publicly owned limited company which will be established. more >
October 2008
Scotland Live 2008 Launch
Culture Minister welcomes thirty international arts promoters to sample the best of Scottish theatre and dance. more >
Acclaimed singer awarded Gaelic Ambassador of the year at mod 2008 launch
Julie Fowlis, the acclaimed traditional singer and instrumentalist is the first recipient of the Scottish Government's new Gaelic Ambassador of the Year award (Tosgaire Gàidhlig na Bliadhna). more >
Hungarian minister holds talks in Scotland
Hungarian Minister of Education and Culture Istvan Hiller held talks with Linda Fabiani, Scottish Minister of Culture, Foreign and European Affairs on bilateral cultural cooperation. more >
September 2008
Introducing Tune Up 2008/2009
Tune Up, the Scottish Arts Council, National Lottery funded initiative that supports musicians to play in venues as far and wide as Scotland itself, is ready to hit the road with a new round of tours. more >
Inspiring Scotland's communities
Inspiring projects that will connect people and their communities through the arts and encourage long-lasting links between people, places and ideas are the next development of the Scottish Arts Council’s Inspire fund. more >
Cultural Diplomats visit Scotland
August saw a visit to Scotland by 15 Cultural Diplomats, organised by Visiting Arts in partnership with the Scottish Arts Council, with additional support from British Council and DCMS. more >
Platform for Success - Scottish Broadcasting Commission's final report
The Creative Scotland Transition Team welcomes the publication of the Scottish Broadcasting Commission’s final report, Platform for Success. We fully endorse the view that, “Broadcasting is important to the economic, cultural and democratic health of the nation.” more >
Swinton and arts world join chorus of disaproval for Creative Scotland
Leading figures claim that up to £7m will be spent on bureaucracy rather than artists. more >
Announcement at last, but future is still uncertain for arts ...
Yesterday's announcement about Scotland's new funding body for the arts posed as many questions as answers. more >
Failed culture plans resurrected
Scottish ministers will press ahead with plans for a new national arts agency, despite the proposals having been thrown out of parliament. more >
August 2008
Creative Clusters 2008: Draft speaker list announced
Creative Clusters 2008 will feature some fifty speakers from around the world presenting case studies and films, running workshops and taking part in debates, discussions and provocation sessions. more >
I do think we take festivals for granted
Last week, the minister announced the latest block of funding from the new Expo Fund, which has been designed to help promote Scottish artists in all the festivals, and also contribute towards the national and international touring of some of these acts in the future. more >
Glasgow gets city of music honour
Glasgow is aiming to build on its rich musical heritage after it was named a United Nations City of Music. more >
The vital difference between art and culture
There does not exist in Scotland, or anywhere else in the UK for that matter, a socially inclusive cultural framework that is understood by the cultural policy makers. more >
Culture drive: improving access to arts
A report published by consultants hired by the government showed that still too many people are excluded from cultural pursuits because public transport simply can't take them there. more >
Expo funding for ‘Made in Scotland’ Fringe Showcase
A new initiative, Made in Scotland, due to launch in 2009, will take the form of a curated showcase for Scottish-based performers to present and promote their best work at Edinburgh's Festival Fringe. more >
Absence of rigour and an explanation
The painful progress of Creative Scotland, the successor to the Scottish Arts Council, has been a cause for concern ever since the Bill to set it up was published. more >
The art of boosting growth
With the rainwashed streets of Edinburgh thronged with visitors darting in and out of the 40 participating galleries in the Edinburgh Art Festival (EAF), it might seem an odd time to query the capital's commitment to the commercial gallery sector. more >
July 2008
Alt-w: new directions in Scottish digital culture
The Scottish Arts Council has joined forces with Scottish Screen to support Alt-w, a fund for practitioners based in Scotland to make and develop new web-based or digital artworks, devices and creative applications. more >
Remembering Scotland at War
Museums Galleries Scotland has announced details of Big Lottery Funding of £590,000 for the continuation of a museums-led initiative that will see young people working with older generations in communitiy arts events across Scotland. more >
Youth Music Initiative funding gets up and coming young musicians into the studio
A pilot scheme is giving some of Scotland’s promising young bands the chance to work with professional recording studios to take their music careers to the next stage. more >
June 2008
Creative Scotland – Ambitious for Scotland
A statement from the joint board of Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen following the failure of the Creative Scotland Bill to progress. more >
Fears over ‘lost year’ for arts in Scotland
Creative Scotland, the new body designed to replace the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen, will go ahead as planned despite MSPs voting down the bill intended to form it last week, according to the culture minister, Linda Fabiani. more >
Investing in a Creative Scotland
An additional £5 million to set up a Creative Scotland Innovation Fund was announced today as the Creative Scotland Bill was discussed in the Parliament. more >
Plan for Creative Scotland 'confused and confusing'
Plans to create a new cultural body through a merger of the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen have been sharply criticised by a Parliamentary committee which has found that the proposal lacks clarity and could end up creating confusion. more >
May 2008
Creative crisis: the arts world in revolt
It was meant to provide new focus and impetus for the arts in Scotland. Instead the Creative Scotland Bill has been called a political car crash. more >
Crooks' cash to boost cultural projects
Under the government's new CashBack for Communities programme, money seized from convicted criminals will be channelled into projects designed to increase access to cultural activities for youngsters in care. more >
Creative crisis: the arts world in revolt
It was meant to provide new focus and impetus for the arts in Scotland. Instead the Creative Scotland Bill has been called a political car crash. more >
Creative Disloyalty
An essay by Richard Holloway exploring the relationship between the artist and the state. more >
SNP breaks grants pledge to artists and writers
Review ordered to find alternative funding avenues for creative community. more >
Vague ambition puts Creative Scotland at risk of becoming another basket case
Creative Scotland is basically a good idea and keenly awaited. The worst thing that could happen after years of governmental paralysis and endless reports would be for it to raise expectations it is then unable to fulfil. more >
April 2008
Arts quango scraps £100,000 of grants to Scottish publishers
The Scottish Arts Council has quietly axed grants to about half a dozen Scottish publishers worth around £100,000, The Scotsman has learned. more >
Scottish Arts Council Flexible Application Process
The Scottish Arts Council has published the outcomes of its recent application process for flexible funding for 2009-2011. more >
Sport and arts to benefit from plan
‘Cashback for Communities’, launched two years ago, uses money seized from criminals to help sports and other organisations. more >
Culture body costs 'unreliable'
Cost estimates for creating Scotland's new arts body Creative Scotland have been branded vague and unreliable. more >
Scottish Arts Council publishes investment plans
The Scottish Arts Council has announced its plans for the coming year (April 2008 – March 2009). more >
Call for speakers in global debate on creative economy
Creative Clusters, the world’s leading conference on the creative economy, is looking for contributors for their next event, which runs from 17 - 20 November 2008 in Glasgow. more >
Creative Nation, Cultural Summit
The Scottish Arts Council has released audio recordings of speakers' presentations at the summit. more >
March 2008
New Identity for Museums and Galleries Body
The Scottish Museums Council is now Museums Galleries Scotland. The new identity and brand has been created to reflect the major role the organisation plays in the widening of access to and care of Scotland’s rich collections.
more >
New arts body embraces computer games
Creative Scotland vows to take technology under its wing. more >
Considering a Creative Scotland
If you're looking for interesting listening on your iPod or computer while you tend to other elements of your life, the Scottish Arts Council is at your service with this wonderful series of keynotes and conversations from their recent cultural summit. more >
Merged arts funding body will support best of Scottish culture
The bill that will abolish the Scottish Arts Council and merge it with Scottish Screen to form a new arts funding body for Scotland was introduced to parliament yesterday. more >
Culture group 'can rewrite rules'
The new legislation also dispenses with the much-lauded "arms length" principle which prevented culture ministers interfering with the artistic decisions of arts organisations. more >
Creative Scotland Bill published
A bill to establish a new body to support Scottish arts and culture has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament. more >
Funding support for the arts
The Scottish Government has renewed its commitment to a scheme that encourages private sector investment in the arts. more >
New body to sustain the nation's creative mind
Tomorrow I am addressing the Scottish Arts Council's conference entitled Scotland: Creative Nation. It provides a timely opportunity to look forward with anticipation to Creative Scotland, a new body with a vital task: to develop the country's creative talent and excellence. more >
February 2008
Let Scotland’s creativity flourish and be nourished
We've had charters for the arts, national cultural strategies and sons and daughters of both. We're on our seventh arts minister in nine years, and with each new incumbent comes a new tweak of the portfolio. more >
New body will change how arts are funded in Scotland
Support of the arts through state-funded grants could become a thing of the past when Scotland's new culture body, Creative Scotland, comes into being next year. more >
New body to sustain the nation's creative mind
Scotland's Minister for Culture, Linda Fabiani, outlines key points of her address to the Scottish Arts Council's conference 'Scotland: Creative Nation'. more >
Axed arts plan was attracting an extra £2m
The cultural co-ordinator scheme, aimed at increasing children's participation in artistic activities that was controversially axed last year by the Scottish Government, was attracting at least £2m in extra funding for youth arts. more >
Arts projects given £8m worth of inspiration
The Scottish Arts Council unveiled an £8 million lottery pot yesterday to fund 'inspiring' arts projects across Scotland. more >
Scottish Arts Council invests £8m for more, wider, better participation in the arts
The Scottish Arts Council has today (12 February) launched Inspire, a major new Lottery fund for the development of exciting, innovative projects to inspire and encourage the people of Scotland to participate in the arts and become creative, imaginative members of a confident, cultured nation. more >
Malcolm Chisolm on arts policies
I am astonished by the patronising and dismissive attitude displayed by the culture minister in last week's Sunday Herald to the legacy she inherited from her predecessors. more >
January 2008
Latest Set of Recognised Collections of National Significance Announced
A further ten collections from art galleries and museums have been identified as being of national significance under the Recognition Scheme. more >
Artists must brush up on business
Scottish artists might do well to worry less about the Muse and more about their business model. more >
Scotland: Creative Nation Summit
A national summit for the exploration, discussion, and debate of pertinent issues in the context of the development of Creative Scotland more >
English arts plan ‘applicable to Scotland’
Radical plans for the arts in England, which include scrapping admission charges to publicly funded arts for one week a year, are "totally applicable" in Scotland, according to the man who made the recommendations. more >
Impact Database changes address
The Impact Database, hosted by the Centre for Cultural Policy Research at University of Glasgow, has a new website address. more >
December 2007
Scheme to open the arts world to children is axed
A valued scheme to increase the participation of children in artistic activities is to be axed by the Scottish Government. more >
November 2007
Lasswade pupils beat out lessons
Midlothian children are literally having facts and figures drummed into them — and loving every minute of it! more >
£100m cost of keeping city festival in lead role
THE cost of keeping Edinburgh's festivals ahead of the growing competition in the UK and abroad has been officially estimated at more than £100 million. more >
Cultural debate is kicked into the long grass: again
It is almost four years to the day since the last First Minister claimed culture would now be at the heart of government. more >
Budgeting for a bigger profile in the world
Linda Fabiani: "We are determined to maintain and develop our rich cultural tradition". more >
Composer warns of 2014 games threat
Conservatives claim there has already been a £200m cut in funding for arts and heritage every year since 1997 - by raiding the National Lottery. more >
Don't get your fingers burned in bonfire of the quangos
While the Scottish Arts Council has been combined with Scottish Screen, rolled into a new super-quango called Creative Scotland and given an even bigger budget, sportscotland faces closure. more >
Arts council faces probe for breach of rules
Scotland's art funding body breached financial guidelines by giving a five-figure pay-off to its former chief executive. more >
'Freedom' pledge over new culture body
Scotland's new cultural funding body will be free from government intervention, the Culture Minister said in parliament yesterday. more >
Progress towards set up of Creative Scotland
Plans to establish Creative Scotland - the body that will support the country's creative practitioners and the Scottish Government's cultural policy plans were set out today. more >
October 2007
Bonnar to develop Scottish Arts Council’s replacement
Anne Bonnar, a former general manager of Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre, will oversee the creation of the organisation that is to replace the Scottish Arts Council. more >
Bonnar to develop Arts Council’s replacement
Over the next nine months, transition director Anne Bonnar will set out the aims and methods for Creative Scotland, the organisation that is to replace the Scottish Arts Council. more >
Director named to set up Creative Scotland
One of the country's top arts consultants has been appointed to manage the formation of Scotland's new arts funding body, Creative Scotland.
Transition Director for Creative Scotland project announced
Anne Bonnar announced as Transition Director in the establishment for Creative Scotland. more >
Recognising collections of national significance
A further seven museums and galleries collections across Scotland have been identified as significant to the nation under the government's Recognition Scheme, which helps to ensure important collections are identified, cared for, protected and promoted to a wider audience. more >
It's time to address a big area of concern
The visual arts are the object of great public interest. more >
Recognition Scheme funding for museums and galleries
The Scottish Government has announced that six museums and galleries have been awarded funding of £234,185 under a scheme that ensures important collections are identified, cared for, protected and promoted to a wider audience. more >
Creative Nation - Scottish Arts Council launches Cultural Summit
Scotland’s largest gathering of artists, arts organisations and delegates from the widest cultural sector will converge on Edinburgh next February. more >
September 2007
Merger Director Being Sought by Screen and Arts Board
A committee set up to pave the way for a merger of Scottish Screen and the Scottish Arts Council is next week to advertise for a 'transition director’, to help make the merger actually happen. more >
Council tax freeze first step to abolition
Among the immediate challenges for Scotland's new SNP government is the reforming of the government agencies that support the arts. more >
New session, new name as SNP sets work of government
The government will set up a new agency to promote the arts. more >
August 2007
Sky’s the limit for the Book of the Year
The Scottish Arts Council, in partnership with BAA Edinburgh and publisher Faber & Faber, is today (Friday) sending 1000 international passengers home with a work of art from Scotland. more >
Culture bodies attack powers in new bill
Leading cultural bodies have expressed fears over the future of artistic independence in Scotland in their official responses to the proposed Culture Bill. more >
Culture bodies attack powers in new bill
Leading cultural bodies have expressed fears over the future of artistic independence in Scotland in their official responses to the proposed Culture Bill. more >
Holyrood can light up the arts –but stand well back
One hundred days of SNP government, and the biggest achievement is not down to Alex Salmond. more >
Venezuela in Scotland launches today
Young people in Scotland will benefit from an innovative music programme developed in Venezuela. more >
Venezuelan project brings harmony to Scottish estates
A scheme begun 30 years ago in the barrios of Caracas is hardly an obvious model for social regeneration in Scotland. more >
December 2003
McConnell's 'cultural rights' agenda leads to delay of arts policy review
The launch of a long-promised review of Scotland’s arts policy has been delayed to reflect better the First Minister’s new agenda for "cultural rights". A consultation document, originally due to be published earlier this month, is being rewritten to "fully reflect" the themes of Jack McConnell’s St Andrew’s Day speech, officials say. more >
November 2011
I Know Where I'm Going - Remote Access to World Heritage Sites
At a time of economic crisis and environmental threat, countries everywhere are seeking to address the dual challenges of maximising the economic value of their natural and cultural heritage while protecting and preserving that heritage. more >
September 2011
MGS Conference 2011 - Collaborating to Compete
‘Collaborating to Compete’ will demonstrate how museums and galleries can create opportunities for significant and dynamic change. It will explore the wider themes of sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship, social enterprise, partnership and resilience. In times of economic difficulties and of rapid change, Collaborating to Compete will demonstrate how museums and galleries can create opportunities for significant and dynamic change. The conference offers a packed programme of speakers and breakout sessions that highlight inspirational examples of best practice in the 21st century. The programme pivots around three central themes: new partnerships; sustainability and entrepreneurship. more >
November 2010
NEoN Conference
NEoN Conference is a two day event featuring a cross sector of inspirational speakers from the world of gaming, digital media and technology driven arts. more >
October 2010
Audience Creation
Dr Neil Kotler will present an International Online Seminar on the theme of Audience Creation in Museums on Wednesday 13 October. more >
September 2009
Effective management: walking the tightrope
Specifically designed for those working in the arts, the TMA’s highly regarded Effective Management course will give you an introduction to all the tools you will need to ensure that you have the confidence to manage effectively. more >
December 2008
Picture this...Young children and the arts
This international two-day conference, organised in collaboration with Children in Europe partners from across Europe, will consider the significance of the arts (encompassing all art forms) in learning, social and emotional development and communication. more >
November 2008
Creative Clusters 2008
We are delighted to announce that Creative Clusters 2008, which takes place for the first time in Scotland, will be looking at the creative economy from the point of view of the world's smaller nations and regions. more >
September 2008
Less Remote: The Futures of Space Exploration
For the first time, the arts and humanities have been officially invited into the professional space explorers global meeting place: The International Astronautical Congress in Glasgow. more >
February 2008
Creative Nation, cultural summit
This unique three-day summit will be a platform for exploration, discussion, and debate of pertinent issues in the context of the development of Creative Scotland. more >
November 2007
National Days: Summoning the Nation?
Celebrating, commemorating, communicating, contesting…an international conference on ‘national days’. more >
November 2004
Cultural rights
Part of the seminar series of the Centre for Cultural Policy Research, University of Glasgow. more >
March 2012
Going Further: The National Strategy for Scotland’s Museums and Galleries
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop will today unveil a pioneering strategy that connects Scotland’s entire network of museums and galleries in a drive for greater collaboration, innovation and creativity. more >
February 2012
Craft in an Age of Change
A report confirms that Scotland’s craft makers continue to be optimistic and adaptable, working within a sector that, while changing, remains healthy, robust and contributes income of £70 million to the Scottish economy. more >
August 2010
Report sets out bold ambitions to grow Scottish broadcast sector by 60%
A new report outlining ambitious aims for the Scottish television broadcast and production sector was launched yesterday evening. Growing the Television Broadcast and Production Sector in Scotland outlines a vision for sector growth of 60% over the next three years. more >
July 2010
Why culture attracts and resists economic analysis
The realm of arts and culture can be seen as ephemeral and ill-suited to the ‘intrusion’ of quantitative analysis. Yet, demand amongst end-users for economic research into cultural and creative industries is stronger today than ever it has been in the past. Oddly, culture seems to both attract and resist economic analysis. Drawing on an analysis of recent research findings related to multi-platform strategies in the television industry, this article examines what is distinctive about economics of culture, and it assesses the appeals but also the challenges associated with conducting scholarly research work in this particular area. more >
April 2010
Sector Report - Challenges and Opportunities
Report highlighting key challenges and opportunities facing the sector following consultation with MGS members in Febuary and March 2010. more >
February 2010
Report by the Literature Working Group
A strong future for Scottish literature has been mapped out in this web-based report. more >
Public attitudes towards broadcasting in Scotland 2009
This report provides the latest information on public attitudes to broadcasting in Scotland, following a survey carried out 18 months before, and reports on any changes in attitudes, views on a proposed new digital channel in Scotland, and views of the Scottish population towards radio broadcasting. more >
January 2010
Traditional Arts Working Group Report
Final report of the traditional arts working group. more >
The New Museum Community
In a series of authoritative essays, this important new book examines in depth how museums globally are succeeding – in many different ways – in reaching and involving social groups traditionally overlooked or excluded from the museum experience. more >
Public attitudes towards the Scots language
This latest study is intended to provide a broad overview of perceptions of the Scots language and attitudes towards it, and to measure behaviours and expectations of its use in Scotland today. more >
December 2009
Impact of the Recession: Survey of Scottish Arts Council Funded Organisations
This report presents the findings of a survey carried out with our funded organisations which captures their experiences of the recession and its impacts. more >
Creative Industries Key Sector Report
This report includes an overview of the sector, the challenges and opportunities facing the creative industries, public interaction and effectiveness and international aspects. more >
Creative Industries, Creative Workers and the Creative Economy: A Review of Selected Recent Literature
This report reviews the themes emerging from selected recent literature to inform a more detailed understanding of the creative industries, primarily by considering the experiences of those working the sector. more >
November 2009
People and Culture in Scotland 2008: Results from the Scottish Household Survey Culture and Sport Module 2007/2008
People and Culture in Scotland 2008: Results from the Scottish Household Survey Culture and Sport Module 2007/2008 more >
Alive to change - successful retailing in museums
Leading museum retail professionals from the UK and the USA share the secrets of their success in a highly practical series of essays in this new book. more >
October 2009
Quality Framework (2nd edition)
The Quality Framework was launched as a developmental (continuous improvement) tool. Since then, we have worked closely with arts organisations to review, refine and further develop the Quality Framework including an independent evaluation. more >
September 2009
New research published on museum role in communities
The publication presents findings of research which was commissioned by Museums Galleries Scotland to explore the purpose of five museums and look at how they engage with their communities. more >
May 2009
Volunteering in Museums
The research, commissioned by Museums Galleries Scotland not only looked at the role and impact of volunteers in museums and galleries but also the impacts of volunteering on workforce development, the volunteers themselves and on communities. more >
February 2009
D'Art report: Defining and Mapping Intangible Cultural Heritage
The D’Art was undertaken in collaboration with Museums Galleries Scotland, as a preliminary study of the issues, both theoretical and practical, in making an inventory of ICH in Scotland in conformity with the UNESCO Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage. more >
January 2009
Taking Part in Scotland 2008 – Full Report
Taking Part in Scotland 2008 was carried out in 2008 with around five thousand adults living in Scotland. The survey measures levels of attendance and participation in a wide range of arts and cultural events. more >
August 2008
CCPR Impact Update August 2008
An update on research into the social and economic effects of arts, culture and major events. more >
Public Art Plan 2008/09
Outlines the Scottish Arts Council’s plan to develop and support public art during 2008-09. more >
May 2008
Public Support for Creative Industries
A report to the Scottish Government exploring best methods of support for Scotland’s creative economy. more >
CCPR Impact Database update no.14
A newsletter containing content that has been added to the Impact Database since the end of February 2008. more >
October 2007
Development of the Infrastructure and Support of Live Art in Scotland
Assesses existing approaches and models that support both emerging and established Live Art practioners, investigates examples of good practice from other countries and recommends improvements. more >
Development of the Street Arts Sector in Scotland
Explores the current status and future aspirations of the Street Art sector in Scotland and identifies opportunities for its further development. more >
January 2006
Quality of Life and Well-Being: Measuring the Impacts of Culture and Sport: Literature Review and Thinkpiece
In March 2005 the Scottish Executive commissioned Centre for Cultural Policy Research ( CCPR) to undertake research to define "quality of life"... more >
September 2005
Review of Culture in Scotland: Final Report of the Cultural Commission June 2005
The final report from the Cultural Commission, which was established in April 2004 to 'look seriously and maturely at [Scotland's] culture and decide the framework for its support in the future'. more >
January 2005
Local Authority Arts Conference Report (2004)
The main theme of this conference was 'cultural Rights and the arts community’s response to the
Cultural Commission'.
more >
July 2004
Creating safety - child protection guidelines for the arts
The experience of participating in the arts should be enjoyable and rewarding. In order for this to happen it is important that children and young people feel safe, comfortable and respected. more >
January 2002
Dance Audience Research: Twelve Top Tips
Twelve top tips for bigger audiences for your dance company and twelve top tips for bigger audiences for dance at your venue. more >
Don't Panic: A Guide For Local Arts Promoters
This publication is aimed at both new and more experienced local promoters and provides accessible and practical advice about the myriad of challenges in promoting the performing arts in small venues. more >
January 2001
Boost your performance: Marketing Action Plan Template
This template aims to provide a summary of the users marketing plans which relate to the users marketing objectives. more >
The international who's who in cultural policy, planning and research >