In the run-up to elections for the devolved legislatures in Scotland and Wales, the National Campaign for the Arts (NCA) has produced arts manifestos for both nations.
The Welsh document calls for support for the Cardiff 2008 bid, for funding levels to be maintained and improvements to infrastructure. It also presses for free ticket policies for schoolchildren and a network of cultural co-ordinators in schools.
Candidates, including culture minister Jenny Randerson, faced pressing questions from Welsh arts personnel recently on whether decisions on grants should be made by the Assembly or the Arts Council of Wales (ACW). The ?arm?s length? principle, though endorsed by Government, ACW and NCA, has been called into question by recent instances of direct funding from the Assembly to arts organisations, and ministers intervening in arts funding crises.
NCA?s Scottish manifesto acknowledges the cultural strategy already published by the Scottish Executive. It calls for the recognition of the role of the arts in Scotland both as cultural enrichment and as an economic driver, and urges the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport to maintain it as a high priority.
The Scottish Museums Council has published a manifesto of its own: ?The Future of the Past: ten priorities for a new parliament?. Addressing a number of salient issues, it calls for a new strategic lead body to create a clear national framework for museums and galleries in Scotland.
?We have had positive feedback from culture spokespeople,? NCA?s Campaigns Manager, Jackie Clayton said. ?We will be following up the points of the manifesto with the new ministers after the elections.?