A central role should be given to creative practitioners in Scotland in order to support and develop the creative industries, according to the recently published Creative Industries Partnership (CIP) Report. It was put together by a short-life working group established by Culture Minister Michael Russell. As part of the preparation to establish Creative Scotland, a Creative Industries Framework Agreement was published in February this year. The CIP report forms an agreement among a number of Scottish public bodies on how this sector, which contributes £5bn to the Scottish economy, will be sustained. The CIP itself brings together the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, Creative Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and Scottish Enterprise. It should ensure that “there is no wrong door for artists and creative practitioners seeking support. It secures a seamless journey right from the first point of contact,” according to Russell. He also made a commitment to “champion artists that have no commercial aspirations, ensuring that ‘art for art’s sake’ is given a new lease of life”. Reaction to the formation of the CIP has been generally positive among leading arts, media and training organisations in Scotland.
