In with the new

Only five days after the long-awaited publication of Scotland’s creative industries framework document, First Minister, Alex Salmond, has sacked Linda Fabiani as Minster for Culture, External Affairs and Constitution. The reshuffle sees Michael Russell in Fabiani’s old post. Despite heavy criticism of Fabiani during the process of bringing Creative Scotland into existence, Salmond asserted that “There have been no failures in the ministerial team, but I have asked them to make way to give colleagues an opportunity to show what they can contribute.” The new Minister has a background in media, having founded the Celtic Film and TV Festival, worked as Director of Network Scotland and set up his own media company before becoming the first Chief Executive and Campaign Director of the Scottish National Party in 1994. He has already held a meeting with 100 invited members of the artistic and creative community, to “hear at first hand what Scotland’s artists and arts administrators have to say about our joint way forward”.

The six-page document, ‘Support for Creative Industries’, sets out the roles and responsibilities of Creative Scotland, and also the other delivery agencies: Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The Business Gateway and local authorities. The lack of clarity in this area attracted considerable criticism at earlier stages of the process. Creative Scotland will take on “the functions, responsibilities and resources of Scottish Screen and the Scottish Arts Council” (SAC), and will “provide research intelligence, support and advocacy across the 13 creative industries”. The industries are listed as “advertising, architecture, art and antiques, crafts, design, designer fashion, film, interactive leisure software, music, performing arts, publishing, software and computer services, and TV and radio”. Creative Scotland is charged with ensuring that “creativity, talent and excellence of Scotland’s individuals and enterprises are encouraged and supported to play their full roles in the cultural, social and economic success of Scotland at home and internationally”. It is also required to “identify, support and develop talent in the arts and culture [and] seek to realise all the benefits of the arts and culture”. This extends the current role of SAC, as economic and social goals have not been explicit parts of its mission hitherto.
The two enterprise agencies are charged with supporting companies with growth potential and addressing barriers to growth, and assisting with “innovation, internationalisation, investments and efficiency”. They will also support the contribution that the creative industries make to other sectors. Local authorities will support local enterprises, while The Business Gateway, for which local authorities also have governance responsibilities, will provide generic business advice.
Richard Holmes, Chair of the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen, welcomed the appointment of the new Minister. Holmes also sits on the board of Creative Scotland 2009 Ltd, the body established by the Scottish Government to implement the new organisation. The process requires the Public Services Reform Bill, due to be presented to the Scottish Parliament in May, to achieve Royal Assent early next year. Creative Scotland will then be established as a non-departmental public body in the first half of 2010.