Summary of Cabinet Secretary Evidence to Culture Committee
On 7 October, the Culture Committee at the Scottish Parliament held a session on pre-budget scrutiny and culture sector funding. The Committee took evidence from the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson MSP and civil servant colleagues David Seers, and Bettina Sizeland.
This blog post links to clips from the recording available in full on Parliament TV here.
We made this time-saver version to support members who can’t watch the entire session.
It's positive to see cross-party MSPs have a grasp of the range of sector issues. This is no small part due to the advocacy work of Culture Counts members.
Covid-19 Context
The context for the Cabinet Secretary's evidence was set by referencing new data, showing the economic impact of the pandemic on culture. As of July 2021, 70% of arts, entertainment and reaction sector reported a decrease in turnover, compared to 31% of the economy overall.
Watch here (1 minute clip)
Introduction of a Cultural Recovery Plan
The Cabinet secretary introduced plans for a Cultural Recovery strategy. Not seeking merely to return to the status quo. New opportunities to reconnect communities and enhance Scotland’s reputation globally. It will be at the heart of economic and social transformation. More detail to be made available at a later date.
Watch here (3 minute clip)
Mainstreaming Culture
Given culture's ability to deliver outcomes in other areas such as health, education and justice; 'mainstreaming’ culture in Government was mentioned as a feature of the Culture Recovery Plan. In other words, having culture work and connect across portfolio areas of government.
Deputy Convener Donald Cameron MSP asked for more information about mainstreaming from the Cabinet Secretary. The Cabinet Secretary spoke about the understanding of culture's value across government portfolios. And furthermore that everyone seems to think that cross-portfolio working and 'mainstreaming' culture is a good idea. The aim is to harness this through the Cultural Recovery Plan.
Donald Cameron MSP gave the example of social prescribing. How do we get to the point where GPs can prescribe a trip to a museum? The Cabinet Secretary agreed this was a good question, and considered if a list of questions like that, is a way in which the joined-up approach (mainstreaming) could be measured.
Watch here (8 minute clip)
Three Year funding for “Core Organisations”
Three-year budgets for ‘Core’ cultural organisations, as set out in the most recent Programme for Government, is a work in progress. Core Organisations was explained as including Creative Scotland. The Cabinet Secretary explained the change in budgets as important for medium-term security and concentration on core cultural roles.
Watch here (2 minute clip)
Local Authorities
Maurice Golden MSP asked the Cabinet Secretary for thoughts on mandatory local authority (LA) cultural reporting, and strategies. This could allow for transparency and make visible where LAs are proactively embracing culture to embed it into communities.
The Cabinet Secretary suggested the Cultural Recovery Plan's aim of encouraging broader understanding should include consideration of LAs, who all deliver a significant amount of money on culture.
Watch here (4 minute clip)
International Footprint
Discussion around the importance and strategic significance of Hubs in Copenhagen and Warsaw (as mentioned in the Programme for Government). Harnessing the many benefits of Scotland's screen sector.
Watch here (4 minute clip)
Watch the recoding in full on Parliament TV here.