Cabinet Secretary Response to Arts Funding Inquiry
The Culture, Tourism, Europe & External Affairs (CTEEA) Committee conducted an inquiry into the future of funding for the arts in Scotland. The committee’s report Putting Artists in the Picture: A Sustainable Arts Funding System for Scotland, was published on 10 December 2019.
The Scottish Government responded to the Committee's report on 20 April 2020 in a letter from Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Fair Pay and Culture. The letter was written to Joan MacApline MSP, Convenor of the CTEEA Committee. All committee correspondence is available on the Inquiry webpage.
This letter details the Cabinet Secretary’s response to Committee’s recommendations directed at the Scottish Government. We’ve highlighted some key takeaways below.
Fair Work Practices
The committee recommended a new a new indicator be developed to measure the extent to which self-employed artists and cultural freelancers are paid a fair wage.
“The Scottish Government’s longer-term plans to better monitor self-employed income, for example through self-assessment data, may contribute to realising this objective in the future.”
The Cabinet Secretary agrees this would be a valuable measure and says “The Scottish Government’s longer-term plans to better monitor self-employed income, for example through self-assessment data, may contribute to realising this objective in the future.” The letter goes on to explain that ScotGov will work with Creative Scotland and interested parties into achieving accurate measurement methodology.
Sustainable Funding
The Committee’s report considers stability and longer term funding for arts organisations. Cabinet secretary explains, 'it is a matter which the Scottish Government is keen to address through longer-term budget planning in the future(...). We will have, however, to return to the question of the future budgeting framework in the light of the current emergency."
Covid-19 Impact on Culture Strategy
The Culture Strategy for Scotland was Published on 28 Feb 2020, just before impacts of coronavirus were felt by the sector. The Strategy sets out the Scottish Government’s aims and ambitions to open up the potential of culture as a ‘transformative opportunity’ across society.
“Unfortunately, these new programmes and initiatives have now been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and we are working with the lead organisations in each case to review delivery options”
The Strategy publication announced a number of new programmes including; ‘Arts Alive’: cultural experiences and creative residencies pilot in schools focussing on areas of multiple deprivation. And £20k for Museums Galleries Scotland to deliver a Skills for Success Programme. The Cabinet Secretary explains “Unfortunately, these new programmes and initiatives have now been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and we are working with the lead organisations in each case to review delivery options”.
Cultural Compacts
Another project put forward by the Culture Strategy is Cultural Compacts. The Cabinet Secretary explains “When the work of the Scottish Government has returned to a ‘business as usual’ footing and to realise the Culture Strategy’s objectives, we will also develop cross-government policy compacts, embedding culture at the centre of policy-making. These compacts will strengthen dialogue and develop new partnerships and innovative approaches to realising policy outcomes which may include joint funding approaches.”
European Funding
The UK Government has ruled out negotiating ongoing participation in the Creative Europe programme which currently funds projects in Scotland.
It remains possible for Non-EU Countries to participate in Creative Europe, and the Cabinet secretary has “written to the UK Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to express my concerns and to seek a discussion on next steps.”
The UK Government has announced their intention to develop a UK Shared Prosperity Fund. While details are still to be announced, the Scottish Government “consulted with stakeholders across the country to develop our own views and plans that will inform the position we take with the UK Government.”
Cultural Observatory
The Committee’s report highlights the value of robust and accessible data on the impact of the culture sector. The Cabinet secretary responded by saying “the new National Partnership for Culture has been tasked with establishing a Measuring Change Group to inform progress towards realising the National Outcome for Culture and the vision, ambitions and aims of the Culture Strategy. The Group will build upon existing research and consider what further evidence about the impact of culture is required to better inform local and national policy and decision-makers.”
Local Authorities - Policy Alignment
A recommendation of the inquiry report is to align national and local cultural policy.
“The Scottish Government is currently working with COSLA to establish a joint meeting of the Culture Conveners from Scottish local government and culture trusts.”
In response the Cabinet Secretary said “I can confidently say that we have been proactive in our efforts to re-engage with all local authorities, and to initiate a conversation to this end. The Scottish Government is currently working with COSLA to establish a joint meeting of the Culture Conveners from Scottish local government and culture trusts.”
Local Authorities - Cultural Expenditure Data
There is agreement from the Cabinet Secretary with the Committee’s observation that data on cultural expenditure is complex. And explains “Creative Scotland have recently been working with local authorities to commission research and build a more strategic relationship, and we will consider their findings carefully to inform future planning and decision-making, including how best to address this issue of data.”
Arts Act
Ireland’s Arts Act was highlighted in evidence given to the Inquiry by Orlaith McBride, Director of Arts Council Ireland. The Cabinet Secretary’s letter explains that some work on new projects such as the National Partnership for culture, and ongoing discussion with COSLA. And that the Government will “focus on getting that work – and the learnings that will result – underway before considering whether, in the absence of suitable alternative actions, any move towards legislation is required.”
Music Tuition
The letter explains “The Scottish Government will carefully consider the Committee’s recommendation to make its commitment to a year of free music tuition during primary school an indicator for the National Outcome on Culture.”
Funding institutions of national significance
“We will consider the Committee’s recommendation for a new, strategic approach to funding institutions of national significance (outwith the National Performing Companies and Collections) with Creative Scotland, informed by the findings of their funding review.”
A Percentage for The Arts
Following the report’s recommendation to consider a set budget percentage for culture. The Cabinet Secretary explains “I think the principle of a percentage for the arts scheme is worth further consideration. However, as I mentioned in evidence, we need first to take into account the current economic context and the challenges, in particular, faced by the construction sector”.
Keep In Touch
‘3 Actions’ is our monthly newsletter. We share three things you can do each month to promote the value of the sector and get involved in cultural campaigns.