The Scottish Government’s Programme for 2011 -12 published on 7th September sets out the priorities for the year ahead and specifically the legislative programme. There is one cultural Bill, the National Library of Scotland Bill, designed to enable the NLS to update and develop its services and functions for the 21st century, responding to the changing needs of its customer and reform governance arrangements.
The Programme sets the scene not only for the specific legislative programmes planned but also for the forthcoming Spending Review. Culture does not appear in the overall vision or in the key commitments.
Markers are being set down for spending priorities all within the headings of making Scotland Wealthier and Fairer, Healthier, Safer and Stronger , Smarter, Greener and which will be measured on their ability to meet the 15 national outcomes. Culture is not specified as a national outcome and therefore a commitment to it is not explicitly required by public agencies or local authorities.
The absence of commitment to culture in the overall vision and key commitments, the lack of a national outcome referencing culture combined with a necessarily tough Spending Review may signal challenging times ahead. One of the three requests of Culture Counts is that culture and creativity is specifically included in any national outcome structure, strengthening the framework for local authorities to support culture. The need for this is more evident than ever.
The Programme contains references to culture and creative industries. It also makes many references to creativity, described in the Programme as a defining characteristic of the Scottish people. Creativity is cited both as an attribute which will achieve economic growth and cohesive communities, and as a system which will be encouraged.
“Scotland is a country rich in economic potential. Our people are creative, ambitious and resilient …Our vision is for a nation where the skills and creativity of all our people contribute to a growing and sustainable economy in our communities, villages, towns and cities.”
While its good to see the recognition of the power of creativity and culture in contributing towards economic success, there is a distinct lack of reference to the vital importance of participation in culture for the general and rounded success of Scotland.
The main references pertaining to arts, culture and creative industries relate to commitments already made by the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland to specific initiatives, and we welcome the maintenance and development of incentives for growth through specific initiatives locally and nationally; and to the importance of the creative industries in the forthcoming Government Economic Strategy.
Other commitments in the programme should be welcomed including to Modern Apprentices, Next Generation Digital, measures to encourage an increased role for social enterprises.
So of the three Culture Counts requests, this Programme meets one.
Maintain and develop incentives for growth through specific initiatives locally and nationally.
We urge that the Scottish Government reviews its national outcomes to ensure that culture and creativity is specifically included in any national outcome structure, strengthening the framework for local authorities to support culture.
As for the third ask, to maintain continued core investment for culture, we will wait and see.
Further reading:
For an interesting take on the Programme, have a look at Anne Bonnar’s blog.
Click here for Specific___References to culture in the Programme.
Tags: Creative Scotland, culture, culture and funding, The Government's Programme for Scotland
