An independent Scotland could unlock the potential of the
country’s culture and creative sectors on the international
stage, according to a new paper to be launched by Culture
Secretary on 2 February.
The tenth paper in the Building a New Scotland series – Culture
in an independent Scotland – will shine the spotlight on how an
independent Scotland could achieve greater prosperity with its
creative economy and benefit from regaining freedom of movement
as part of the EU.
The paper sets out the benefits an independent Scotland could
bring to the country’s culture sector and creative industries,
including rejoining the EU as an independent member state.
This would allow artists to move freely without barriers like
visas and customs requirements, help Scotland’s culture sector
and creative industries reach the people, talent and skills they
need, and make it more straightforward for Scottish artists to
tour, collaborate and exchange ideas internationally.
Mr Robertson said:
“Culture is one of Scotland’s priceless assets and we are
determined to protect and enhance it, putting it at the heart of
our communities for the benefit of everyone. These strong
foundations could help us become a successful, inclusive, vibrant
independent nation.
“Our ambition is to rejoin the EU as a member state in our own
right as soon as possible. This would mean regaining the immense
benefits of free movement of people and the networks that support
the exchange of ideas upon which culture thrives.
“It is more important than ever that Scotland has the powers
necessary to support and develop our cultural and creative
sectors: to ensure that creative professionals can work and
collaborate with their peers around the world and ensure that
everyone in Scotland can fully benefit from our rich and diverse
culture.”
Background
Building a New
Scotland
