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SAC unveils its vision for future Scottish arts
The Scottish Arts Council has submitted a document outlining its vision of Scotland’s creative future to the Cultural Commission. Entitled Towards a Cultured, Creative Scotland, the Scottish Arts Council’s submission was prepared after extensive consultation with artists, arts organisations and cultural workers. It suggests some radical changes to Scotland’s cultural infrastructure, as part of a nationwide debate about Scotland’s cultural future. The Council’s plan maps out several new ideas aimed at fully integrating arts and culture into the Scottish way of life. Key points proposed in the submission are: the appointment of a Minister for Culture in the Scottish Cabinet; a National Cultural Partnership representing cultural interests from every sector; Regional Planning Forums, involving a wide range of partners; adopting a national policy to make children’s first year of school devoted to creativity; developing a new agency to work as a dedicated advocate for the arts and culture, using state-of-the-art technology to reach and grow audiences; the creation of an Artists’ Charter, to enhance the status of artists across the country; formally defining ‘national’ companies by their achievements and impact, rather than their budgetary clout; and strengthening the infrastructure of Scotland’s traditional arts sector. ‘We want a country where the richness and vitality of its cultural life and languages draws its people to contribute to it, and draws visitors from around the world to experience it,’ said Graham Berry, Director of the Scottish Arts Council. ‘We want to put creativity at the heart of schools, public services, the workplace and society. We want a country where artists are valued and encouraged to work internationally.’ Mr Berry described the challenges of executing the Council’s roadmap as ‘considerable’, but added that ‘a fundamental shift in our national mindset, which moves cultural concerns from the margins to the mainstream of civic life, is required.’ The submission is the first phase in a national overhaul of arts thinking. For more information, CLICK HERE.
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