How Scotland measures its creativity is changing.
The National Outcomes are the Scottish Government’s broad policy aims. They are part of the National Performance Framework which sets out the Scottish Government’s overarching purpose. This blog is a quick fire explanation of why it’s relevant to the cultural sector right now.
The Collective Voice of Scotland's Cultural Sector.
This blog highlights revised ways in which the Scottish Government measure the country's cultural expression and creativity. And Parliament wants to know what you think.
To cover this properly we need to clarify some terminology.
The National Performance Framework - A vision for Scotland. Broad measures of national well-being covering economic, health, social and environmental targets.
Outcomes - Describe what the Scottish Government wants to achieve and the kind of Scotland they want to see. The government's broad policy aims.
Indicators - High-level measures that show how the Scottish Government is performing against the Outcomes. These track the progress being made.
Got it, why does it matter to the cultural sector?
On 29 March 2018, the Scottish Government published their updated National Outcomes as part of its broader look at the National Performance Framework. National Outcomes must be reviewed at least once every five years.
“We are creative and our vibrant and diverse cultures are expressed and enjoyed widely”
There are 11 Outcomes in the draft design which is still under development. Included in that is a new Outcome relating to the Cultural sector; “We are creative and our vibrant and diverse cultures are expressed and enjoyed widely”.
With every Outcome, there are Indicators. The National Indicators are high-level measures that show how the Scottish Government is performing against the Outcomes. Indicators for the above cultural outcome are;
- Attendance at cultural events or places of culture
- Participation in a cultural activity
- Growth in cultural economy
- People working in arts and culture
Still with me? You can read more about the framework in this Parliamentary Committee document. The outcome for culture is referenced on page 26 as well as in numerous illustrations.
What do you think about the Outcome and Indicators for culture?
Culture Counts are asking you to consider the outcome and indicators and send us your thoughts. Are they helpful? Are they appropriate? Are they desirable? We will collate the opinion of the sector and respond to the LGC Committee with a collective response. Hit the button below and get in touch.