Culture Secretary has announced a review of
Creative Scotland to ensure its operations and structure are
optimal to the needs of the culture sector, as part of this
year's Programme for Government.
The review, which will be the first since the public body's
establishment in 2010, will examine Creative Scotland's remit and
functions as a funding body, and how the overall impact of
planned increases in levels of public funding can be maximised to
support sustainability in the sector and in participation in the
arts.
Full details of the review and its process will be set out to
parliament in the near future, and will include seeking views
from individuals and organisations from all parts of Scotland's
culture sector.
The Culture Secretary also confirmed that following a period
of necessary due diligence, Creative Scotland had now
received funding previously allocated to it in the 2024/25
Scottish budget, including £1.8 million for youth music, and
£6.6 million that will allow its Open Fund to be re-opened.
Mr Robertson said:
“Scotland's culture is world-renowned and it remains integral to
our nation and our economy. Over the past 14 years, Creative
Scotland has had a significant role in supporting that role,
distributing £65 million of public funding in the last year
alone.
“With the sector having faced a number of new and enduring
challenges since then, the time is now right for us to ensure
Creative Scotland's remit and functions remain relevant, in line
with our commitments to invest at least £100 million more
annually in the arts and culture by 2028-29, and to continuous
improvement across all our public bodies.
“It is routine for public bodies to undergo reviews throughout
their lifetime, and while that process is ongoing we are clear
that we expect the organisations involved to take forward their
business as usual. Creative Scotland is no different and they
will be carrying on with their important work throughout.
“In the meantime I'm pleased to confirm release of £1.8
million to Creative Scotland for youth music, and another £6.6
million, which includes £3 million towards its Open Fund and £1
million for Screen Scotland.”
Background
Programme for Government
2024-25: Serving Scotland - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
