• Share on Facebook
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Linkedin
  • Share by email
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Linkedin
  • Share by email

Scotlands Minister for Culture Linda Fabiani has set out plans to establish Creative Scotland through a Bill to be will be introduced to Parliament early next year. The new agency will be formed by merging the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen. Praising the achievements of Scotlands artists, she outlined three themes: national cultural identity, celebrating Scotlands creative sector and developing cultural policy. Intending to quell fears that Parliament could wield power over artistic decisions, she asserted that the Creative Scotland Bill "will include a guarantee that no Minister may interfere in the artistic judgement of the body in its support of the creative community".
The Culture Minister also alluded to the health and welfare gains linked to cultural development, and to the role that cultural activity plays in restoring physical and mental health, in encouraging positive behaviour among young people and in building community pride. She added that the new body will have a licence from the Government to take risks to stimulate controversy and challenge accepted thinking. There were some pointed exchanges in Parliament concerning the lack of any commitment in the Bill to cultural entitlement. Labours Malcolm Chisholm accused Ms Fabiani of [turning] her back on that central plank of cultural policy, and called for more information on funding and investment in the arts. Richard Holloway, Chairman, Joint Board of Scottish Screen and Scottish Arts Council, welcomed the speech, and said, "We are glad that she has calmed the anxieties of many in the sector by confirming her commitment to the principle of artistic independence."