Survey launches to seek views of cultural sector.
Dame Sue Bruce will chair the review of Creative Scotland,
Culture Secretary has announced.
The review will examine Creative Scotland's remit, functions and
how it can best support the culture sector's ambitions for
renewal. It will be the first review of Creative Scotland since
its establishment in 2010, as part of a wider commitment to
review how the culture sector is supported.
Culture Secretary welcomed the “wealth of
experience” Dame Sue Bruce will bring to the review, with
previous roles in Scotland's arts and local government sectors.
Mr Robertson said:
“I'm delighted that Dame Sue Bruce has agreed to chair the
Creative Scotland review. She brings a wealth of experience from
previous roles in the arts and local government sectors, making
her well-placed to conduct a thorough and independent review into
how Creative Scotland supports the arts in Scotland.
“The 2025-26 Scottish Budget includes a record £34 million uplift
for culture. I am determined to maximise the impact of every
penny of that. The review will consider the diversity of
potential sources of funding, such as philanthropy, for culture -
to underpin a more sustainable and resilient cultural sector in
the years to come. The intention of this review is to ensure
views the length and breadth of Scotland are heard swiftly and
the vitally important contribution that artists and cultural
organisations do for our nation and our identity is recognised,
valued and well-supported.
“The Scottish Government has also today launched a new survey
seeking views on how culture and the arts are currently supported
in Scotland and areas for change. The responses will help inform
the scope of the review so I would encourage all those with an
interest to respond to our survey.”
Dame Sue Bruce said:
“Culture and the arts reflect our values, aspirations and history
as a country and the people who work in the sector make an
invaluable contribution to our society and our economy.
“I look forward to working with the sector and Creative Scotland
to ensure that it's remit and functions continue to be relevant
for the culture sector today, recognising that there has been
much change in the sector since 2010 when Creative Scotland was
first established.”
Background
Culture Sector Support
Survey
The independent review into Creative Scotland was first announced
in the 2024-25 Programme
for Government, as part of a wider review of how the culture
sector is supported in Scotland. The draft Scottish Budget
2025-26 provides an increase of £34 million to culture in
Scotland, including £20 million for Creative Scotland's
multi-year funding programme.
The Creative Scotland review is expected to publish
recommendations in the summer of 2025. Further details on the
review process, including the terms of reference, will be set out
to Parliament soon.
Dame Sue Bruce retired from a career in local government after 40
years of public service, including Chief Executive roles with
East Dunbartonshire Aberdeen City Council and The City of
Edinburgh councils. Dame Sue has since held a range of portfolio
non-executive director roles in organisations including SSE Plc,
and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, one of Scotland's five
National Performing Companies, where she was Chair for nine years
before retiring in August 2024. She was also Chair of the Board
of Trustees of The King's Foundation until retiring on 31
December 2024.
Dame Sue is currently Electoral Commissioner with particular
responsibility for Scotland and is Convener of Court at the
University of Strathclyde.
